The 2016 Australian Open draw ceremony has taken place in Melbourne on Friday.
Novak is a top seed and five-time defending champion at the first Grand Slam event of the season (January 18-31). 128 players will be fighting during two weeks for the championship trophy and 2000 points.
The Serbian and world no.1 is leading the way, followed by Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.
Novak has been victorious in Melbourne five times (2008, 2011-2013, 2015). Last year, he became the first man in Open Era to capture five Australian Open titles as he defeated Andy Murray in the final 7-6 (5), 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-0.
Djokovic will start his bid for 11th Grand Slam title against world no.51, Hyeon Chung (South Korea). It will be their first career meeting.
In the second round, Novak will face the winner of the match between Ivan Dodig (CRO) and Quentin Halys (FRA, WC).
The earliest seed he could meet is no.28, Andreas Seppi (ITA), in round three.
Novak’s potential rivals in the later stages of the tournament:
4th round: Gilles Simon (FRA, 14), Ivo Karlovic (CRO, 22)
Quarter-finals: Kei Nishikori (JPN, 7), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA, 9), Benoit Paire (FRA, 17), Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP, 26)
Semi-finals: Roger Federer (SUI, 3), Tomas Berdych (CZE, 6), Marin Cilic (CRO, 12), David Goffin (BEL, 15)…
No.2 seed Andy Murray (GBR, 2) is in the bottom half of the draw, as well as Stan Wawrinka (SUI, 4), Rafael Nadal (ESP, 5), David Ferrer (ESP, 8), John Isner (USA, 10)…
Photo: Getty Images
