An error-strewn Novak Djokovic kickstarted his bid for an 11th Australian Open and unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown in unconvincing fashion on Sunday, dropping a set to fearless teenage qualifier Dino Prizmic.

Carlos Alcaraz would like nothing better than to take the title away from Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open in two weeks' time, the Spaniard said on the eve of the start of the year's first Grand Slam.

"It's an extra motivation for me," the two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz said on Saturday

"Botanical Gardens just nearby, it's a wonderful park where I like to spend time and just be by myself in nature, just grounding, hugging trees."

"Right now I am not ready to compete at the maximum level in five-set matches. I'm flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment and rest," he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Nadal dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier this season and has slipped to number 668 but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing for at least six months.