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Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

Age 31. World No.1. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion: (2008, 11-12-13, 15-16). Dominated the second half of last year, returning to the top of the rankings after winning Wimbledon and the US Open. He is a clear favourite at $2.20.

Rafael Nadal (Spain)

Age 32. World No.2. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion: (2009). Never write off a champion. But, can his knee hold up? His 2018 ended early due to surgery, and so far this season has pulled out of the Brisbane Internatio­nal and been dominated by Nick Kyrgios in Fast4.

Roger Federer (Switzerlan­d)

Age 37. World No.3. Aust Open record: Best result: Champion: (2004, 06-07, 10, 17-18). Once again returns as the defending champion. Can become the first player in the history of the tournament to win 100 singles matches – if he makes the final. Has the chance to overtake Djokovic for most titles.

Alexander Zverev (Germany)

Age 21. World No.4. Aust Open record: Best result: 3rd round: (2017-18). The leader of the next generation is set to take the tennis world by storm but has struggled at grand slams, only reaching the quarter-finals at one event – the French Open. Five-set tennis has been his Achilles heel.

Alex de Minaur (Australia)

Age 19. World No.29. Aust Open record: Best result: 2nd round (2017). W-L: 1-2 (33.33%). If you had predicted de Minaur would be Australia’s only player inside the top 30 at the Australian Open, many would have doubted you. Comes off a stellar season and has started 2019 in similar form.

Nick Kyrgios (Australia)

Age 23. World No.51. Aust Open record: Best result: QF (2015). What Kyrgios will do at the Australian Open is anyone’s guess. Australia will hope Kyrgios’ mind is focused on the task at hand because at his best he can lighten up the Open.

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