Rafa Nadal will kick off his Australian Open title defence on Monday with a first round test against rising Briton Jack Draper as a new era begins on the blue hard courts of Melbourne Park.
At the first Grand Slam after Roger Federer's retirement and Serena Williams's “evolving away” from tennis, Spaniard Nadal carries the flame for the fading golden generation as he bids for a 23rd major title and third at Melbourne Park.
With local hero Ash Barty having retired last March after ending Australia's 44-year wait for a home winner, the women's tournament will feature a new champion. With American tennis looking for a new champion in the post-Serena era, Coco Gauff will open the day session at Rod Laver Arena against Czech Katerina Siniakova.
The women's tournament has been described as one of the most open in years, with only two former champions in the draw.
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