MELBOURNE, Jan 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Novak Djokovic resumes his quest for a
25th Grand Slam title Wednesday against home hope Alexei Popyrin, while
fellow defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faces her second consecutive
qualifier.

Serbian superstar Djokovic dropped a set against unheralded Croat Dino
Prizmic in his opening clash and will not want to do repeat the feat against
43rd-ranked Popyrin.

But the 10-time Australian Open winner heads into the night match on Rod
Laver Arena with lingering concerns over his health after admitting he was "a
bit under the weather" against Prizmic.

"Look, it is what it is. You just have to try to deal with it and get over it
and accept the circumstances and try to make the most of it," he said.

Should he come through against the Australian, the world number one will face
a third-round clash against veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils or Argentine Tomas
Martin Etcheverry, who ended Andy Murray's tournament.

Sabalenka will be on centre court ahead of Djokovic to face Czech qualifier
Brenda Fruhvirtova.

The powerful Belarusian second seed dropped just one game in obliterating her
first-round opponent, with Fruhvirtova set to face more of her wrath.

Men's fourth seed Jannik Sinner is also in action, against Dutchman Jesper de
Jong on Margaret Court Arena as he looks to maintain his recent impressive
form, which has included a win over Djokovic.

US Open champion Coco Gauff, who romped through her first match, will follow
on from Sinner against fellow American Caroline Dolehide in her quest for a
maiden title at Melbourne Park.

Men's seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, last year's losing finalist, meets
Australian Jordan Thompson, but is not worried about a hostile crowd, with a
big Greek contingent in Melbourne.

"I know I have a great fan base, I have a great crowd by my side. This gives
me belief, this gives me an additional type of confidence that is not
typically there on other tournaments," he said.

Other players in action include women's sixth seed Ons Jabeur against
exciting Russian 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva, former champion Caroline
Wozniacki, and men's fifth seed Andrey Rublev.