Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner in same half of Australian Open draw | ATP tour | Tennis

Australian Open

Djokovic, Sinner in the same half of the Australian Open draw; Alcaraz learns path

Top seed Alcaraz starts against Australian Walton
January 15, 2026

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner are in the same half of the Australian Open draw, which was revealed in Melbourne on Thursday. Record 10-time champion Djokovic and two-time defending champion Sinner could meet in a blockbuster semi-final at the first major of the season.

Sinner leads Djokovic 6-4 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, which the Serb once led 4-1. The 24-year-old Italian defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open on his way to his first major title. A rematch looms in the distance these two weeks.

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World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Carlos Alcaraz aims to capture his seventh major crown and complete a Career Grand Slam. The Spaniard is in the same half as rival Alexander Zverev. The 22-year-old starts against home hope Adam Walton.

The 38-year-old Djokovic is aiming for his 25th major title, which would break his tie with Margaret Court for the most major singles titles in tennis history. Second-seeded Sinner is chasing a three-peat at Melbourne Park and his fifth major title overall. The Serbian starts his campaign against Pedro Martinez while Sinner takes on French southpaw Hugo Gaston in the opening round.

Sinner appeared ahead of the draw ceremony and spoke about his prospects for the tournament.

“The draw is very difficult, it doesn’t matter who you play against,” said Sinner, who boasts a tournament record of 22-4. “We are the best players in the world and the road is very, very long and very far. We continue day by day.”

The 24-year-old also discussed his partnership with Australian coach Darren Cahill.

“We had a nice conversation at the end of the year and it’s great to share at least one more season with him,” Sinner said. “He gives so much peace and I feel very safe with him in the corner and not only me, but also the rest of the team. It’s great, especially to play here, together with one Australian team member in Australia.”

Two of the most interesting first-round matches are sixth seed Alex de Minaur against former No. 6 Matteo Berrettini and Zverev’s showdown with the well-serving Gabriel Diallo. De Minaur and Berrettini spit out their hardcourt encounters in 2025, with the Italian improving to 3-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Zverev and Diallo meet for the first time.

Fan favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis announced his withdrawal shortly before the drawing ceremony.