The key storylines to watch at the 2024 Australian Open

It might be cold or even snowing where you live, but it’s summertime in the Southern Hemisphere and that means just one thing: It’s time to get ready for long nights and overcaffeinated mornings because the 2024 Australian Open is upon us.

And there’s a lot to be excited about for the year’s first major.

Following a momentous 2023 season, which saw the continued dominance of some and the emergence of others, and a virtually nonexistent offseason, tennis’ best players are Down Under and ready to battle for the title. While Rafael Nadal withdrew this month because of a muscle tear in his hip that cut short his comeback in Brisbane, the men’s and women’s fields remain chock full of stars and storylines.

Will Novak Djokovic successfully defend his title and further secure his spot in the record books? Can Coco Gauff make a run for her second career major? How will Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and the other returning players do in their first Slam back following lengthy layoffs? Here’s everything you need to know heading into the 2024 Australian Open.

Djokovic’s drive for 25 (and beyond)

Djokovic made history at the US Open in September when he tied Margaret Court’s longstanding record for most major titles of all time with 24. And somehow he’s nowhere near done.

Nor, for that matter, is he shy about his ambitions.

The 36-year-old, who won three major titles in 2023, told reporters at the ATP Finals — yup, he won that too — that he was eyeing the elusive “Golden Slam” in 2024. Steffi Graf is the only player in history to have ever achieved winning all four major titles and Olympic gold in the same year. But Djokovic came close in 2021, and if anyone can do it, it’s him, right?

Of course, that feat starts in Melbourne, where he’s the reigning champion, a 10-time victor and the oddsmakers’ clear favorite to win again. But he enters the year’s first major after his 43-match win streak in Australia was snapped earlier this month by Alex de Minaur in the United Cup, and he mentioned wrist pain after the match. He said he thought it would be “fine” by the start of the tournament and he’s been seen practicing on Rod Laver Arena this week showing no obvious signs of discomfort.

Djokovic will face a qualifier in the first round, with potential showdowns with Andy Murray or Gael Monfils in the third round, and a possible rematch against his US Open semifinal opponent Ben Shelton in the fourth. Jannik Sinner, who defeated him…