Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Raducanu learn Australian Open fate as draw made

12 January 2023 , 07:15

769     0

All eyes will be on Novak Djokovic when the Australian Open gets underway (Image: AFP /AFP via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic is on collision course with Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after the 2023 draw was finalised - which sees the Brits face some difficult challenges.

The Serb, who is desperately eyeing a 10th title at Melbourne Park after he was dramatically deported last year, will begin his quest for glory against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

If the former world No 1 remains unscathed until the quarter-final stage, he faces a fascinating potential contest with outspoken Australian star Nick Kyrgios - who takes on Russian world No 99 Roman Safiullin in the opening round.

Meanwhile, it's a nightmare start for upcoming British star Jack Draper at Melbourne Park, who will go head-to-head with reigning champion Rafael Nadal in his opener.

Nadal heads up the other half of the draw, and could take on potentially Djokovic or Kyrgios in the final unless his recent struggles continue.

Novak Djokovic won Australian Open despite playing with major hamstring tear

Former British No 1 Andy Murray has also been handed a difficult task first up against Italian No 13 seed Matteo Berrettini.

And Emma Raducanu, who faces a race against time to be fit for the first Grand Slam of the year, has been drawn against Germany's Tamara Korpatsch.

But should Raducanu, presuming she is fit, get through that opening match in Melbourne, she could face American sensation Coco Gauff in the next round.

Andy Murray faces a hugely difficult first opening round clash in Melbourne (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Emma Raducanu faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Australian Open (Getty Images)

The Australian Open begins on January 16 and runs all the way through to January 29, with a fascinating fortnight of action in store for tennis lovers.

All eyes will be on Djokovic at the major tournament, who will be on a revenge mission after the chaos of last year. Before the start of the Australian Open, the 35-year-old spoke out about the drama of 2022 that marred the build-up to the Grand Slam.

"I was really drawn into a storm in media worldwide that was related to anything to do with Covid and the vaccine," Djokovic told 9News Melbourne. “All of a sudden I became the villain of the world which is obviously a terrible position to be in as an athlete.”

Jonathan Spencer