Aryna Sabalenka completed a ruthless defence of her Australian Open title by beating first-timer Qinwen Zheng in the final.
The world number two lifted her first grand slam trophy at Melbourne Park 12 months ago and has been untouchable this fortnight.
She did not drop a set in seven matches and defeated China’s Zheng 6-3 6-2 to become the first player since countrywoman Victoria Azarenka 11 years ago to claim back-to-back titles here.
Read Simon Briggs’ report here.
What is today’s order of play?
(All times GMT)
Rod Laver Arena
8.30am: Qinwen Zheng (Chn) v (2) Aryna Sabalenka (Blr), Simone Bolelli (Ita) & Andrea Vavassori (Ita) v (2) Rohan Bopanna (Ind) & Matthew Ebden (Aus)
When do the Australian Open finals take place?
The men’s final is on the following day: January 28, at 8.30am UK time.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the UK
In the UK, Eurosport has the broadcasting rights to live action from Melbourne and will be showing 260 hours of tennis. To watch on Discovery+, an Entertainment & Sport pass is £6.99/month or £59.99/year.
This year, Nick Kyrgios is part of Eurosport’s English-language commentary team, and is one of the highlights of a camera stream direct from the commentary booth. Kyrgios has been joined in Australia by presenters John McEnroe, Barbara Schett and Laura Robson, and from a London studio by new host Rachel Stringer.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the US
ESPN has the broadcasting rights to show the tournament.
Who are the defending champions?
Last year, Novak Djokovic claimed the men’s singles title for a record-extending 10th time after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Aryna Sabalenka claimed her first grand slam singles title in the women’s draw when she defeated Elena Rybakina in three sets.
Latest odds
To win the men’s title
- Jannik Sinner 10/3
- Daniil Medvedev 5/1
Which British players are involved?
In the men’s draw, Andy Murray and Dan Evans lost in the opening round while Jack Draper was knocked out the second round. Cameron Norrie was the last man standing, before losing to Alexander Zverev in a fifth-set tie-break in the fourth round.
Among the women, Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter made it through to round two but failed to reach the third round. Jodie Burrage was knocked out in the first round.
When did the Australian Open start?
The tournament got under way on Sunday, January 14. It was the first Sunday start in the tournament’s history.
What is the Australian Open prize money?
This year’s Australian Open total prize money is a record 13 per cent increase on 2023 – £46.3 million will be shared by the field with the winners each taking home £1.68 million.
“We’ve upped prize money for every round at the Australian Open with the major increases in qualifying and the early rounds of singles and doubles,” Tiley said. “We want to ensure Australia remains the launchpad for the global tennis season and the players and their teams have everything they need to help them perform at their best and continue to enjoy the happy slam.”