Small detail in this photo of reigning Australian Open champions proves just how well paid tennis’s best stars are

Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner, the defending Australian Open champions, returned to Melbourne Park this week on a quest to defend their Grand Slam titles.

Both are heavy favorites to regain their titles, with world number 1 Sabalenka in excellent form over the next two weeks after winning at the Brisbane International last week.

Before that, Sabalenka had also won at the Wuhan Open in October and won her first US Open title in September.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Sinner emerged victorious at the ATP Nitto Finals in November and also enjoyed glory at the US Open, where he won the men’s singles title.

Interestingly, Sabalenka and Sinner have both won 18 titles on their respective tours, both surpassing $60 million in career earnings.

And they can point much of that wealth to their efforts in the Grand Slams, with the pair both taking home $3.5 million at last year’s Australian Open.

The players had arrived for the main event, but while there was a lot of focus on who would play whom, some eagle-eyed spectators noticed their glittering timepieces.

Both luxury watches have a combined price of approximately $303,857

But it appears they both splashed the cash, with the pair appearing to have each bought their own luxury watch.

Sabalenka and Sinner both appeared at the main draw of the Australian Open on Thursday to speak to journalists and some fans about the upcoming tournament.

Although they both sported hoodies at the event, it was the sparkly object on their wrists that most took notice of.

Upon further inspection, Daily Mail Australia understands that Sabalenka was wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph timepiece.

The watch, which has a gold case, also comes with a bezel that features different colored gemstones arranged in a rainbow pattern.

Similar items are available for purchase at Chrono24 for an eye-watering $233,266.

Sinner, meanwhile, also wore a stunning Rolex Daytona watch that can fetch up to $70,591, according to prices listed on Chrono24.

The watch comes with a gold case and a black bezel. The dial of the watch features the iconic Rolex logo and three different dials on the timepiece.

Sinner will get off to a tough start in his Australian Open defense, with the world number 1 facing world number 34 Nicolas Jarry.

Sabalenka and Sinner both showed off their timepieces as they spoke at the unveiling of the draw at Melbourne Park

The Belarusian faces a tough draw against former Grand Slam winner Sloane Stephens

Sinner, meanwhile, will take on world number 34 Nicolas Jarry, who had an excellent 2024

The Chilean, 29, has won three titles on the ATP Tour during his career so far and came close to finishing fourth at the ATP Rome Masters in May last year after being beaten by Alexander Zverev in the final.

Should he make it past the third round, there is a chance he could face Cameron Norrie, Matteo Berrettini or Hubert Hurkacz in the fourth round.

In the women’s singles, Sabalenka will face American star Sloane Stephens in the first round.

The former major champion, 31, is ranked 84th on the WTA Tour and won her first WTA Tour title in two years in Rouen in April.

Should Sabalenka beat Stephens, she could face No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.

A win there could see her pair up against Coco Gauff in what would be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the fortnight.