Australian Open 2023: When is the draw, when does it start and how to watch on TV in the UK. Men’s world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz and Venus Williams will both miss the Australian Open because of injury. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who won his maiden grand slam title at the US Open in September, revealed he suffered a muscle injury in his right leg during pre-season training. The timing of this latest injury is extremely unfortunate and robs the Australian Open of one of its most exciting drawcards. Alcaraz’s absence means his compatriot Rafael Nadal is set to be top seed for the defense of his title at Melbourne Park. Williams has been forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in a warm-up tournament in New Zealand. The seven-time singles grand-slam winner was originally awarded a wildcard but picked up an injury at the ASB Classic in Auckland. The 42-year-old’s wildcard place has now been awarded to Australian world No 173 Kim Birrell. The tournament starts at Melbourne Park on Monday, January 16 and will finish on Sunday, January 29. The draw will take place on Thursday, January 12. In the UK, Eurosport has the broadcasting rights to live action from Melbourne. In the US, the tournament is broadcast on ESPN.
