Last week the defending ladies singles champion, Simona Halep, pulled out of the slam due to an ongoing calf injury.

The men's champion, Novak Djokovic, says his confidence is high following winning the Australian and French Opens this year.

“Well, I have 19 major titles, so I know what's the perspective with 19. With 20 I don't know. Hopefully I can find out in a few weeks, but let's see.

“Grand Slams are the biggest motivation I have right now at this stage of my career. I've been saying that before. I want to try to make the most out of Grand Slams as I possibly can. I'm trying to peak at the majors. I've been managing to do that throughout my career. I've had fortune to really play my best tennis when it mattered the most, I think.

“That's how my last year and a half looked like, and that's how probably the rest of my career will look like in terms of scheduling the tournaments.

“The confidence run is there. The level of confidence is pretty high. Obviously winning the two majors this year, playing very well in Roland Garros. That tournament took a lot out of me I think mentally and physically and emotionally. It also granted me with an incredible amount of positive energy and confidence that created a wave that I'm trying to ride, so to say.”

Djokers will face the 19-year-old English wild card, Jack Draper, in the first round at approximately 14:30 on Monday afternoon.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport