Novak Djokovic plays qualifier, Iga Swiatek faces Sofia Kenin at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam crown against a qualifier, while fellow top-ranked Iga Swiatek faces a tricky test against 2020 champion Sofia Kenin, after the draw was made on Jan 11.

Djokovic required treatment for a wrist issue during his United Cup defeat by Alex de Minaur last week – his first loss in Australia for six years – and can put that disappointment behind him with a fast start at his most successful Slam.

The 36-year-old Serb could then meet fellow Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in the third round, and could face Greek seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals in what would be a rematch of the 2023 title clash.

Other notable opponents he could be up against are Gael Monfils (third round), Ben Shelton or Stan Wawrinka (fourth round) and Taylor Fritz (quarter-finals), a situation in which fans were not too happy about.

“If I had a nickel for every time one of my 2 main favs was in Novak Djokovic’s quarter of a Slam I would be a *expletive* billionaire,” a fan tweeted, obviously fearing that the Serb will beat everyone along the way.

Another said: “WHY? If Stef progresses, he potentially faces Novak Djokovic in the QF. WHY?”

Tsitsipas squares off with Matteo Berrettini in a tantalising opener.

Meanwhile, Daniil Medvedev, Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune, Hubert Hurkacz, Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud are in second seed Carlos Alcaraz’s half of the draw.

Wimbledon champion Alcaraz heads to Melbourne Park for the year’s opening Grand Slam starting on Jan 14 without any competitive matches under his belt this season, and the Spaniard meets French veteran Richard Gasquet.

The 20-year-old is on course for a quarter-final clash with the rejuvenated Zverev, who goes up against fellow German Dominik Koepfer.

Two-time finalist Medvedev, like Djokovic, will start against a qualifier.

Italian youngster Jannik Sinner, who is tipped to go deep at Melbourne Park, will face Botic van de Zandschulp.

Australia’s de Minaur, who stunned Djokovic last week before beating Alcaraz in a charity match, will spearhead local hopes in the absence of the injured Nick Kyrgios and begins his campaign against Canadian Milos Raonic.

In the women’s draw, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also takes on a qualifier first while 2023 runner-up Elena Rybakina, who defeated Sabalenka in the final of the Brisbane International tune-up tournament, faces former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.

US Open champion Coco Gauff will take on Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, while four-time Major winner Naomi Osaka returns to Grand Slam tennis for the first time since 2022 and plays France’s Caroline Garcia in a tricky opener.

Osaka, who won the title in 2019 and 2021, returned to action only at Brisbane having spent 15 months on the sidelines and giving birth to her first child in July.

Some fans were not too optimistic about her chances, with one tweeting: “The draw for Naomi ends in R1.”

Angelique Kerber, who also made her comeback to the tour following a lengthy maternity break, will play 2022 runner-up Danielle Collins in her opener and could take on top seed Swiatek in the next round.

Swiatek will open her account with a rematch of the 2020 Roland Garros final that she won against Kenin, who went into that match as the Australian Open champion.

There were also complaints from fans about the Polish star’s difficult draw.

“When you’re seeded #1 but have to place some combo of Kenin, Kerber, and Collins in your first TWO rounds of AusOpen!?” said one.

“Pretty tough draw for Iga,” commented another.

Others had more faith in the world No. 1, saying: “Despite the best efforts of the tennis establishment, Iga Swiatek will be winning the 2024 Australian Open.”

Wildcard Caroline Wozniacki, another former champion and returning mother, will play 20th seed Magda Linette. REUTERS, AFP