Liverpool brothers Neal and Ken Skupski are again embarking on another partnership ahead of the first grand slam of the year.

Neal was partnered with fellow Brit Jamie Murray until November when the pair split following a failed attempt to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals last year.

Jamie has chosen to rekindle his partnership with Brazilian Bruno Soares after they had successes in both the Australian and US Open back in 2016.

As for Neal, it is perhaps hoped a change in partner brings some much needed luck following last years disappointments.

Ranked 16th in the ATP table heading into the tournament, the Open presents another chance to perform on a world stage, a mere 10,000 miles away from their humble beginnings.

It was destiny from the start for the brother, with Palmerston Tennis Club only a minute away from their family home, it seemed Tennis followed them in every direction.

With Australia however enforcing tight lockdown restricts to all visitors to the country amid the current Covid-19 pandemic, things have been a little different this time around.

Reports of hotel corridors being patrolled 24 hours a day and strict rules on fraternising between players means not even brothers who play and practise together can socialise beyond the grounds of the hotel.

Ken and Neal kick off the Open in Melbourne this Wednesday, facing off against the unseeded pair of Aliassime and Hurkacz.