Djokovic faces Carballes Baena, Swiatek meets Niemeier at Australian Open | Tennis News – Times of India

Nadal won last year’s title in an epic final beating Russian Daniil Medvedev, who takes on Marcos Giron first. Second seed Casper Ruud — twice a runner-up on the Grand Slam stage last year — plays Tomas Machac.
Swiatek, who has largely dominated the women’s game after the retirement last year of Australian Ash Barty following her triumph at Melbourne Park, starts her bid for a fourth major with a potentially tricky clash against German Niemeier.

Women’s world number two Ons Jabeur will begin her latest attempt to become the first Arab player to claim a Grand Slam singles title when she plays Tamara Zidansek. Tunisian Jabeur was runner-up at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year.
Sofia Kenin and Victoria Azarenka will meet in an opening round clash featuring two former champions.