Australian Open 2023: Everything you need to know

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will lock horns again in their race for grand slam supremacy but a spoiler has put his hand up.

Rafa and Novak will have to watch out. Photo: Getty Images

The 2023 Australian Open has arrived.

Following a spate of high-profile withdrawals including the likes of men’s world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Australia’s top women’s hope Ajla Tomljanovic, Naomi Osaka, Paula Badosa and Venus Williams, the draw is looking somewhat thinner than previous years.

However there’s still plenty of star power to get us through two weeks of action at Melbourne Park.

Here’s everything you need to know about the first grand slam of 2023.

Nick Kyrgios has his own warm up for the tournament.

When is the Australian Open on?

The 2023 Australian Open starts on January 16, finishing with the men's final on Sunday January 29. Play for the first four rounds starts at 10am.

Key dates

— Men’s and women’s singles draw — Thursday January 12

— Round 1 — January 16-17

— Round 2 — January 18-19

— Round 3 — January 20-21

— Round 4 — January 22-23

— Quarterfinals — January 24-25

— Women’s Semi-finals — January 26

— Men’s Semi-finals — January 27

— Women’s singles final — January 28

— Men’s singles final — January 29

How to watch the 2023 Australian Open

The 2023 Australian Open is exclusive to Channel 9 and will be streamed across its owned platforms including the Nine Network on free-to-air TV, 9Now and Stan Sport.

Streaming fans will be able to watch all matches live and free on the 9Now app and, like Stan, allow fans to watch any match on any court.

Who are the defending champions?

Rafael Nadal became the first man to 21 grand slam singles titles after he downed Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 in a five and a half-hour thriller.

The women’s draw is wide open after Ash Barty’s retirement from the sport. She famously defeated American Danielle Collins 6-3 7-6.

Iga Swiatek is the women’s favourite. Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP

2023 Australian Open Prizemoney

The 2023 Australian Open has a record high pool of $76.5 million with the winner getting $2.975m for their troubles.

The runner up will have plenty to drown their sorrows with a $1.625m purse, while semi-finalist will get $925,000.

Quarterfinalists – $555,250, fourth round – $338,250, third round — $227,925, second round $158,850, first round – $106,250.

Men’s and women’s doubles winners will take home $695,000, while runners up will nab $370,000.

Odds (as of Wednesday January 11)

Betr has Novak Djokovic ($1.90) and Iga Swiatek ($3) as the hot favourites to win the 2023 Australian Open.

But if you’re keen to follow the Aussies, Nick Kyrgios is the shortest odds at $12, behind only Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev ($6.50) and alongside Rafael Nadal ($12).

Otherwise Ajla Tomljanovic ($61) is the shortest of the Aussies, while Alex de Minaur is $101.

Originally published as Australian Open 2023: Everything you need to know