Djokovic gets kind draw, Hewitt faces countryman

Omnisports 11:23 - 15 January 2016

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World number one Novak Djokovic has been given a friendly draw to open the Australian Open, while Lleyton Hewitt's final campaign begins against a countryman.

Djokovic, the dominant Serbian who is a five-time champion at Melbourne Park, will meet up-and-coming South Korean Chung Hyeon.

Kei Nishikori, who faces Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round, is in Djokovic's quarter.

In his 20th consecutive and final Australian Open appearance, Hewitt will take on fellow Australian James Duckworth.

Second seed Andy Murray takes on emerging German Alexander Zverev, with David Ferrer in the Brit's quarter.

Awaiting Roger Federer in the first round is Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Rafael Nadal faces a fellow Spaniard to start his campaign, taking on Fernando Verdasco - a player he has beaten on 15 of 17 occasions.

In Nadal's quarter is Stan Wawrinka, who opens against Dmitry Tursunov.

Notable first-round matches:Novak Djokovic (1) v Chung HyeonAndy Murray (2) v Alexander ZverevRoger Federer (3) v Nikoloz BasilashviliStan Wawrinka (4) v Dmitry TursunovRafael Nadal (5) v Fernando VerdascoTomas Berdych (6) v Yuki BhambriLleyton Hewitt v James DuckworthJo-Wilfried Tsonga (9) v Marcos BaghdatisKei Nishikori (7) v Philipp Kohlschreiber