The 2021 Australian Open official draw took place on Friday.
Novak, a record-extending eight-time AO champion, is a top seed. He will open title defence campaign against world no.66 Jeremy Chardy of France (H2H 13-0) on Monday.
In the second round, Djokovic will play the winner of the match between Frances Tiafoe (USA, #62) and Stefano Travaglia (ITA, #71).
The earliest seed he could meet is no.27, Taylor Fritz (USA), in round three.
Novak’s potential rivals in the later stages of the tournament:
Fourth round: Milos Raonic (CAN, 14), Stan Wawrinka (SUI, 17)
Quarter-finals: Alexander Zverev (GER, 6), Gael Monfils (FRA, 10), Adrian Mannarino (FRA, 32)
Semi-finals: Dominic Thiem (AUT, 3), Diego Schwartzman (ARG, 8), Denis Shapovalov (CAN, 11)
Final: Rafael Nadal (ESP, 2), Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 4), Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE, 5),…
Novak has won eight of his 17 Grand Slam titles in Melbourne (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020).
Last year, he beat Dominic Thiem 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the final.
The year’s first Grand Slam tournament starts on February 8.
Photo: Profimedia
