Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer could meet in semi-finals of Australian Open; Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios set for potential fourth-round clash
Thursday 16 January 2020 14:42, UK
Seven-time winner Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are on a collision course to meet in a potential semi-final blockbuster at the Australian Open after the draw was revealed on Thursday.
Defending champion Djokovic will open his campaign against dangerous German Jan-Lennard Struff, who enjoyed semi-final runs in Auckland and Stuttgart last year.
Federer will take on American Steve Johnson with the Swiss set for a tricky third-round meeting against Poland's world No 34 Hubert Hurkacz.
World No 1 Rafael Nadal will open his campaign against world No 72 Hugo Dellien of Bolivia.
Nick Kyrgios, promoted to Australian No 1 following the withdrawal of Alex de Minaur, could be a fourth-round opponent for Nadal, who is scheduled to meet his US Open final opponent Daniil Medvedev in the last four.
The Spaniard could also face two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals.
Arguably the match of the first round sees rising Russian ace Daniil Medvedev take on Frances Tiafoe of America.
Dan Evans will play American Mackenzie McDonald in the opening round.
It was confirmed shortly before the draw that Evans will be the 30th seed for the tournament - the first time he has been among the top 32 at a Grand Slam.
McDonald, a 24-year-old ranked 132, should represent a good draw and, if Evans can reach the third round, then he has the carrot of a probable shot at defending champion Djokovic.
Kyle Edmund was given a tricky first assignment against 24th seed Dusan Lajovic, while Cameron Norrie will take on France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
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