Thursday's stellar line-up features a trio of Grand Slam finalists in fascinating second round contests you won't want to miss.
Leylah Fernandez v Caroline Garcia
Head-to-head: 0-0
The 2021 US Open finalist broke her winless Australian Open streak on Tuesday, and another victory may provide the momentum she needs to set up another major magical fortnight.
At 20, Fernandez doesn't carry the battle scars of more seasoned pros and could resume the role of 'giant killer" in this career-first meeting.
DRAW: Australian Open 2023 women's singles
But competing for the 12th time at Melbourne Park, the 29-year-old Garcia isn't your average fourth seed.
Over the past six months, the Frenchwoman has played tennis with a new-found freedom that delivered a run to the US Open semifinals and a title at the season-ending WTA Finals.
The right-hander has opened up about challenges including binge eating and is eager to hone in on crucial improvements she's made to her mindset as she pursues a maiden major.
"One of the goals of this year or next year, or couple of years coming, is to try to go all the way and win a slam," she declared. "We'll see if I'm capable of doing it, but it's a great challenge I want to face."
GARCIA: "I want to take charge of what I believe in"
If that's to happen next Saturday, Garcia must first get past Fernandez. "I will have to play my best tennis for sure…just go for it and try to be more aggressive than her," said the Frenchwoman.
Jenson Brooksby v Casper Ruud
Head-to-head: 0-1
Norway's top player has the world no.1 ranking in his sights, but he knows neither it - nor a deep run at AO 2023 - is guaranteed.
"I know that there's no guarantee that I will ever reach another final in a Grand Slam in my career," said the second-seeded Ruud after surprisingly revealing that he'd be happy with matching a career-best fourth round appearance this fortnight.
Perhaps the 24-year-old is being realistic - his preparation for the year's first major wasn't ideal. As the top seed in Auckland earlier this month, he fell to Laslo Jere.
Still, Ruud will enter this match-up with confidence from a straightforward 6-3 6-4 romp against Brooksby at the Italian Open last year.
But the 22-year-old American, best known for his unorthodox playing style, is aiming to add a top 10 win to a collection that only includes Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Brooksby has previously found another level at majors, with his best run coming at the 2021 US Open when he reached the final 16 following wins over Taylor Fritz and AO 2021 semifinalist Aslan Karatsev.
Andy Murray v Thanasi Kokkinakis
Head-to-head: 1-0
Can the Adelaide-born 26-year-old clinch a round of 32 berth for the first time in seven home slam outings?
Or will Murray, a five-time finalist, slice his way back into the third round for the first time in six years? We can't wait to see this one unfold.
Recovery is of utmost importance for the 35-year-old Scot, who needed almost five hours to close out a thrilling upset of 13th seed Berrettini.
The three-time Grand Slam champion has bragging rights to a straight-sets win, including a 23-minute bagel set, over Kokkinakis from their only previously encounter at a 2015 Davis Cup tie.
But almost eight years later, Murray should expect far more firepower.
A fearless Kokkinakis is playing light-years above his world no.159 ranking. Just last week, he nabbed a career-third top-10 win by defeating Andrey Rublev in Adelaide and never looked in doubt to close out a rain-delayed first round tussle against Italian Fabio Fognini.
"I'm very hungry [for it]," said Kokkinakis of the enticing rematch with Murray who has at times been a mentor.
"He was one of the guys that really took me under his wing when I came out on tour. He sent me messages of encouragement and advice so we know each other pretty well but I'll put all that aside tomorrow and give it a red hot crack."
"I'm going to give it my all…we'll see how far I can go."