With world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz announcing his withdrawn from the Australian Open on Saturday morning, several top-ranked players’ title hopes just received a massive boost.
As a result of Alcaraz’s removal, previous champion Novak Djokovic will advance from the draw’s fifth seed to fourth.
Fortunately for Djokovic, the jump into the top-four will ensure he won’t face another top-seeded player until at least the semi finals – strengthening his title run.
The rise will also help Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and defending champion Rafael Nadal as Djokovic will not feature in their quarter.
American Taylor Fritz will also become the Slam’s eighth seed, growing his chances of progressing to the quarter finals.