HIGHLIGHTS-Tennis-Day one at the Australian Open

Highlights of the first day at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, on Monday (times AEST; GMT+11): 1100 PLAY UNDERWAY ALTHOUGH RAIN EXPECTED

Play got underway on all courts on time although the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast heavy rain throughout the day with a high of just 21C (69.8°F). Smoke from bushfires that affected qualifying has dissipated and Victoria's Environmental Protection Agency rated the air quality as good.

Women's champion Naomi Osaka is to open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena against the Czech Republic's Marie Bouzkova, with 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams to follow on the main show court against Russia's Anastasia Potapova. READ MORE

Extreme heat, fires to affect sports more - report India's Mirza taking return one week at a time

Perfectly prepared Barty ready for an electric Melbourne ride Djokovic crosses fingers for clean air at Melbourne Park

Melbourne Park ready to embrace the Kyrgios that cares Final curtain looms for Wozniacki at Melbourne Park

Nadal surprised to still be on top of the game Undercooked Federer hopes for fast start at Melbourne Park

More seasoned, less fearless, Osaka set for Australian Open defence Kvitova, Halep driven by Australian Open heartbreak

Australian Open order of play on Monday Penpix of the top women's contenders at the Australian Open

Penpix of the top men's contenders at the Australian Open (Compiled by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by xxxxxxx)