Second seed Ons Jabeur joked that her coach was "going to kill me" after her quest for a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open began with a shaky three-set victory on Tuesday.

Andy Murray stunned Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, saving a match point to prevail over five gruelling sets and book a spot in the Australian Open second round.

Tennis Australia on Tuesday banned Russian and Belarusian flags at the Australian Open after Ukraine's ambassador demanded action when they were seen among the crowd.

Novak Djokovic makes his eagerly anticipated return to the Australian Open on Tuesday and women's world number two Ons Jabeur will also launch her title bid.

World number one Iga Swiatek is the favourite to win an Australian Open women's draw shorn of some of its biggest recent stars.

Frances Tiafoe won his first-round match at the Australian Open on Monday but it was the American's outrageously colourful kit which set tongues wagging.

Novak Djokovic makes his eagerly anticipated return to the Australian Open on Tuesday and women's world number two Ons Jabeur will also launch her title bid.

Rafael Nadal’s victory march in the first round of the Australian Open was briefly held up on Monday when a ball boy took his racquet.

World number one Iga Swiatek survived a tough examination against Jule Niemeier on Monday to reach the second round of the Australian Open.

Teenager Shang Juncheng created a slice of history Monday by becoming the first male Chinese player to win an Australian Open main draw singles match.

 Five top contenders for the men's title at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday:

World number one Iga Swiatek said Saturday she was ready for an “intense” opening Australian Open match while paying tribute to retired champion Ashleigh Barty for inspiring her to greater heights.

Sam Stosur will bid a bittersweet farewell to home fans at the Australian Open but will not be straying far from the game, the 38-year-old major winner said on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic resumes his Grand Slam title race with Rafa Nadal on Monday at the Australian Open, returning to what was his happiest hunting ground before the ugly controversy which led to his absence last year.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal admitted Saturday he felt vulnerable heading into the Australian Open after two straight defeats in the build-up and said that Novak Djokovic was clear favourite.

Novak Djokovic said he felt "emotional" following a warm reception from fans upon his return to Melbourne Park for a practice match against Nick Kyrgios on Friday.

Rafael Nadal will face a difficult opening test at the Australian Open against British lefty Jack Draper, while Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are in the same quarter of the draw, it was revealed Thursday afternoon at Melbourne Park.

Rafa Nadal will head into the Australian Open undercooked and with only one win to his name since September's U.S. Open, but it would surprise nobody if he retained the title he won for the second time last year.

Novak Djokovic may never forget his deportation from Australia over his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID, but the Serb will hope a record-extending 10th major in Melbourne provides closure to his storied career's most controversial chapter.

Novak Djokovic, Tunisian world number two Ons Jabeur and six other top players will form the first executive committee of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) as it fights for a seat at the table with the sport's governing organisations.