Nadal, Murray, Djokovic and Federer hit practice courts as ‘Big Four’ prepare for Australian Open — in pictures

• 

• 

  Rafael Nadal hits a forehand during a practice session. William West / AFP

• 

  Rafael Nadal hits a backhand return during a training session. William West / AFP

• 

  Rafael Nadal adjusts his racket during a practice session. Julian Smith / EPA

• 

  Rafael Nadal during practice alongside coach and uncle Toni Nadal. Julian Smith / EPA

• 

  Andy Murray serves during a training session on Rod Laver Arena. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka hit together during a training session on Rod Laver Arena. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Andy Murray and his coach Ivan Lendl talk with Stan Wawrinka during a training session. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Andy Murray hits a forehand during a training session. William West / AFP

• 

  Novak Djokovic hits a forehand during a training session. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Novak Djokovic reacts to avoid being hit by a ball during a training session. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Novak Djokovic hits a backhand during a training session. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Novak Djokovic serves during a training session. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Novak Djokovic reaches for a water bottle. David Gray / Reuters

• 

  Roger Federer hits a backhand during a training session. Julian Smith / EPA

• 

  Roger Federer during a training session. Julian Smith / EPA

• 

  Roger Federer hits a backhand during a training session. Julian Smith / EPA

• 

  Roger Federer takes a drink break during a practice session. Michael Dodge / Getty Images

With the Australian Open a matter of days away, the players are taking to the Melbourne Park practice courts to prepare for the first grand slam of the 2017 season. The traditional ‘Big Four’ of Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer all went through their paces ahead of the tournament.

* Agencies