The world’s best are in town and the story starts here. A last couple of practices and a catch-up with reporters, it’s time for Australian Open 2023.
Let’s hear what some of the stars of the show said on media day…
Emma Raducanu – “fully trusts” left ankle injured in build-up
"I've been able to do preparation, albeit more limited than usual. But I'm feeling in a good place to go out there and give it my best shot," said the world No.77, facing Germany's Tamara Korpatsch in the first round on Monday.
“We were thrown a bit of a curveball but we remained optimistic.
"For the ankle, I feel really good. It's going to be more introducing certain things, and the rate at which we've had to do it has been really quick.
"But I've not really played much tennis ever in my career so I'm kind of used to it. And I'm not stressed about lack of tennis that much."
Coco Gauff – still only 18 years old, veteran or kid?
“I was joking about this last night. I did mini golfing with Ben Shelton and Chris Eubanks. This is his [Shelton's] first time out of the country. I was just saying, ‘I'm a vet compared to you', even though he's older than me."
“I think I've been on tour four years now. I definitely feel more experienced and I belong. I don't feel like the new kid, but I don't think I feel like quite a vet. I feel like I'm in the middle of the pack.
“There's a joke that my mom has. She is like, ‘You don't have that grown woman strength yet. You'll know when you get it.’”
Andy Murray – five-time finalist ready for US Open revenge over Matteo Berrettini
“Obviously a tough draw,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion, who fell to Berrettini over four sets in New York."
“But I also feel I am in a much better place than I was during any of the Slams last year coming into it. I feel well prepared. I feel ready to play a top player early in the event.”
Ajla Tomljanovic – reflecting on missing her home Grand Slam through injury
“This is probably the worst timing ever."
“If I'm taking a 15-second pity party, this shouldn't have happened now. It's the time when I'm feeling my best self in every way, coming into a slam truly feeling like I deserve to be even a contender.
“Am I going to have to start from scratch? Probably not. It feels a little unfair, but life's unfair. Part of our job, injuries will happen.”
Jack Draper – Next Gen Brit on facing defending champion Rafael Nadal
“It’ll be amazing to play on court with him, he’s a great champion, a lot of emotions obviously when I think of playing him,” said the world No.40."
DRAW: Australian Open 2023 men's singles
DRAW: Australian Open 2023 women's singles
“Whatever happens, it’ll be a special occasion for me, still very young in my career, so it’s great to have these sort of experiences and exposure to playing someone like Rafa on a big court like that.
“But I want to play really well and I want to compete hard and do the best I can."
Caroline Garcia – enjoying a chance reunion with a certain Ash Barty
“Obviously, couple weeks ago when I arrive in Australia, I texted her. I didn't know if she was going to be at the Australian Open and everything. I was like, ‘Yeah, keep five minutes for me, I want just to say hi and everything.’"
“This morning when we get out of the car, I just went to the credential, then she's coming to me. She was just here and I didn't even see her. It was very good surprise.
“It's been a year we didn't see her, so it's good to see her. She looks very happy. Made me happy for her.”
Casper Ruud – building on two Grand Slam final spots in 2022
“Nothing has changed too much. Honestly, I know that it's possible, which is a nice feeling.
"At the same time, I know the competition is so hard and so strong that I cannot expect myself to do well every single time I play a Grand Slam."
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“My best result here is a fourth round, which I still look at as a great result. If I'm able to reach fourth round this year, I'll be more than happy about it.
“I know that there's no guarantee that I will ever reach another final in a Grand Slam in my career. Just going to try to keep doing hopefully the right things and do my best and see how far that can take me here.
Stefanos Tsitsipas – on wearing a Japan football jersey to practice
“I am interested in cultures. I am interested in languages. I know life goes beyond my culture, ancient Greek culture, which has left a lot of marks behind in history and time.
“The Japanese culture is a very modest, very fair culture in their society, as well. It has intrigued me in a way to follow it more closely, to learn from it."
“I think there's so many lessons you can take - even tennis players - The fighting spirit behind the samurais, all these fighters that led Japan to its modern society today. Traditions are hidden.
“The Japanese jersey represents me at its fullest.”