Jan 13 (Reuters) - The Australian Open may ‌crown Jannik Sinner champion for a third straight year or hand Carlos Alcaraz a career Grand Slam, but lurking in the ‌shadows are a handful of players grappling with harsh truths about their title chances at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic's quest for ‌a record-extending 11th Australian Open title appears a long shot, with the Serb still searching for one more major title that would establish him as the most successful Grand Slam champion of all time.