Djokovic to begin Wimbledon defence against Ward

Omnisports 08:37 - 24 June 2016

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All-conquering world number one Novak Djokovic has been placed in the same half of the Wimbledon draw as Roger Federer and Milos Raonic.

Novak Djokovic will begin his bid for a fifth successive grand slam title with a first-round tie against Great Britain's James Ward at Wimbledon.

Djokovic, who completed a career Grand Slam at the French Open earlier this month, appeared to be placed in the trickier half of Friday's draw, alongside Roger Federer, Milos Raonic and Dominic Thiem.

The Serbian will nevertheless be a strong favourite to win at Wimbledon for a third year in succession, with Ward - the world number 177 - the first obstacle in his way.

Second seed Andy Murray faces fellow Brit Liam Broady in round one and Nick Kyrgios looms as a potential last-16 opponent for the 2013 champion.

Seven-time Wimbledon winner Federer's first opponent will be Guido Pella, while Stan Wawrinka - who is in the bottom half of the draw with Murray - opens up against rising American star Taylor Fritz and could face Juan Martin del Potro in round two.