Image source, Getty Images

Plenty of big names among the early starters in Melbourne - US Open champion Sloane Stephens (above) and French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko (below) are both on court straight away.

American Stephens faces China's Zhang Shuai on Margaret Court Arena while Latvian Ostapenko gets things going on the main Rod Laver Arena - the 20-year-old takes on Italy's Francesca Schiavone, the 37-year-old who triumphed at Roland Garros in 2010.

Our main focus will be Edmund but we'll keep you updated on what's happening elsewhere.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

And it is with Kyle Edmund we begin...

The British number two is up first on court number two, where he faces 11th seed Kevin Anderson.

Edmund will face a tough test against Anderson, who reached the US Open final last September and has started 2018 strongly.

The 6ft 8in South African won their only previous encounter, a gruelling five-setter on the French Open clay last year.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

With Andy Murray injured, Dan Evans serving a doping ban and Aljaz Bedene having reverted to Slovenian nationality, Kyle Edmund is the only British man in the singles draw.

Johanna Konta and Heather Watson complete the British contingent in singles, with both women scheduled to play their first-round matches on Tuesday.

Naomi Broady fell in the final round of qualifying against Bibiane Schoofs of the Netherlands on Saturday.

Jamie Murray and Brazilian doubles partner Bruno Soares have begun the season encouragingly and the Briton has high hopes of repeating his 2016 triumph in Melbourne.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

After several days of stretching, talking and loose hitting, the best players in the world are chomping at the bit to get the year well and truly started.

Early star performers from the media rounds were a very cheerful Jo Konta, who pointed out that a few years ago "none of you would have cared" what she had to say before a Grand Slam; Roger Federer, who summed up a lengthy analysis of his career by concluding that his life is, indeed, pretty great; and Novak Djokovic, who took minds off his suspect elbow by handing round chocolates (gluten free, obviously) to the assembled media.

David Law
Radio 5 live sports extra commentator at Melbourne Park

There’s a first day of the football season feel to the Australian Open today. Walking the Rod Laver Arena corridors past Kyle Edmund’s coach Fredrik Rosengren, Juan Martin del Potro, a group of Dutch players to our 5 Live commentary box, everyone’s perky, positive, expectant. Because no-one has lost. Yet.

You can tune in to Radio 5 live sports extra now by clicking the link on the top of this page.

Roger Federer's not playing until the day two night session - when he faces former Briton Aljaz Bedene - but the defending men's singles champion is pumped as he attempts to win a 20th Grand Slam.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

There’s an autumnal chill in the air and the odd spit of rain around, but after several soakings in the past few days, it looks like Melbourne tennis weather is finally on the way. Kyle Edmund and Kevin Anderson are not likely to suffer heatstroke this morning, but from tomorrow it’s sunshine all the way. Friday is currently forecast to touch the 40C mark. Someone get those towels on ice...

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Don't forget, you can follow all the action in Melbourne on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 00:00 GMT.

Stick that wireless on, or just click the link at the top of this page.

Enjoy.

Image source, Reuters

The first Grand Slam of 2018 has crept up quicker than 19 Roger Federer titles, with the 36-year-old Swiss the favourite to win his 20th in Melbourne this fortnight.

There's no Andy Murray, absent because of a hip injury that has required surgery, but don't let that dampen your excitement, as plenty of the big guns are back prepped and raring to go.

Elsewhere in the men's draw, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka have all declared themselves fit after ending 2017 with injuries.

In the women's draw, Serena Williams may be missing but world number one Simona Halep, second seed Caroline Wozniacki and Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza are just some of the names expected to contend for the title.

And don't rule out British number one Johanna Konta.

Image source, EPA

Trophies? Check. Star names? Check. Sprinkling of sunshine? Check.

It's all eyes on the Australian Open, as we gear up to kick-off the 2018 Grand Slam calendar in Melbourne.

So put your feet up, grab a cuppa and vow to stick with us as we dive straight into the action down under.

Or if you're lucky enough to be there, head for the deckchairs...

Image source, EPA