Djokovic faces Chardy, Kenin meets Inglis at Australian Open

Brenton Edwards / AFP

Novak Djokovic begins his Australian Open title defence against Jeremy Chardy after the draw for the year's first Grand Slam was made 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 faces Mikhail Kukushkin.

Rafael Nadal, seeking a first title at the major since 2009, faces Laslo Djere in his opener.

Reigning women's champion Sofia Kenin will meet wildcard Maddison Inglis.

Top-ranked Ash Barty resumes her quest to become the first homegrown singles winner at the Australian Open since 1978 when the 24-year-old takes on Danka Kovinic.

American Serena Williams, looking to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, meets Laura Siegemund in the opening round while 2019 champion Naomi Osaka faces Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

More from Sports

  • Osaka beats Kasatkina to make Wimbledon last 16

    Naomi Osaka continued to make a statement at Wimbledon as she paired her flair off the court with growing confidence on it to dismiss unseeded Australian Daria Kasatkina 6-1 6-3 on Friday and reach the last 16 for the first time.

  • Hamilton fastest in sole Silverstone practice

    Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton went fastest in sole practice for his home British Grand Prix on Friday while Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli outshone Mercedes teammate George Russell.

  • Switzerland blank Algeria, reach round of 16 for 4th straight World Cup

    Breel Embolo scored in the first half, Dan Ndoye tallied at the start of the second half and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup's round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Algeria on Thursday night in Vancouver.

  • Portugal survive late drama to beat Croatia

    Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first World Cupknockout-stage goal of his career, Goncalo Ramos netted a stoppage-time header and Portugal got a last-second break on an offside call to beat Croatia 2-1 on Thursday and set up a last-16 clash with Spain.

  • Anisimova and Fritz through as Americans sparkle at Wimbledon

    Amanda Anisimova survived an almighty scare against compatriot Sofia Kenin on Thursday to join a wave of American women surging into the third round of Wimbledon, while Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe ensured the Stars and Stripes kept flying high in the men's draw.

Recently Played

Latest Blogs