After a day of action impacted by scorching heat and heavy rainfall in Melbourne, attention turns to the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

It is nearly time for the first Grand Slam of the season - the Australian Open - and day one of the event in Melbourne features some big names, including Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek.

The first Grand Slam event of the season - the Australian Open - begins on Monday with the biggest names in tennis set to take to the hard courts in Melbourne.

The new tennis season is ready to launch with the Australian Open already just a couple of weeks away in Melbourne and Liam Flin looks forward to what's in store.

By winning the 2022 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal pulled one clear of his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in their lengthy battle to become the most decorated men's singles Grand Slam champion of all-time.

The ATP Finals are just around the corner, but first there's the small matter of the Paris Masters to take care of.

Some rivalries are built on a spiky animosity, some on a tangible hatred.

Tennis legend Roger Federer will bow out of the sport on Friday night as he teams up with long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup.