Australian Open: Schedule for January 17

After the end of the second round at 3 a.m. on Thursday night, it's going to be a short night at Melbourne Park.

The third round kicks off at 11 a.m. local time on January 17, with some of the Australian Open favourites taking to the courts.

On Rod Laver Arena, two-time title-holder Aryna Sabalenka will open the day against Clara Tauson, winner of the Auckland tournament at the start of the season, who arrives with confidence for the first big tournament of the year.

Later in the day, Carlos Alcaraz will take on Nuno Borges.

In the night session, Novak Djokovic, a regular here and ten-time winner of this tournament, will face Tomas Machac in a match that promises much.

Finally, Jessica Pegula takes on Olga Danilovic to round off the program.

On the Margaret Court Arena, there will also be plenty of action with the Vekic-Shnaider, Zverev-Fearnley and Gauff-Fernandez encounters.

One of the two remaining Australian players in the men's draw, Vukic, will face Draper in what promises to be an electric atmosphere.

In the John Cain Arena, Naomi Osaka will face Belinda Bencic.

The 100% French clash between Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils will take place in the last rotation on this court.

On the other courts, Badosa and Kostyuk will battle it out for a place in the last 16, while Benjamin Bonzi will take on Jiri Lehecka.

The new generation, represented by Jakub Mensik and Mirra Andreeva, will also be present during the day.