MELBOURNE— Novak Djokovic will begin his Australian Open title defense against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, while reigning women’s champion Sofia Kenin meets wild card Maddison Inglis, following the draw for the year’s first Grand Slam on Friday.
World number one Djokovic captured a record-extending eighth title at Melbourne Park last year by beating Dominic Thiem, who is seeded third and will face Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin in the first round.
Rafa Nadal, seeking a first title at the major since 2009, will meet Serbia’s Laslo Djere in his opener.
The Spaniard is level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and looking to overtake the Swiss champion, who is not playing this …
Keep on reading: Djokovic faces Chardy, Kenin meets Inglis at Australian Open