The Briton will take on the world No 27 – while Djokovic and new coach Murray face a brutal route to the trophy

Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed in opposite sides of the draw for the season's first major, with Carlos Alcaraz in the same quarter as Djokovic.

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from an exhibition event with Novak Djokovic scheduled for Thursday due to an abdominal strain, casting more doubt on the former Wimbledon finalist's chances of making his Australian Open comeback this month.

Djokovic could face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, while Alexander Zverev a possible opponent in the semi-finals and Jannik Sinner on the opposite side of the draw

World number one Jannik Sinner was drawn Thursday against big-hitting Nicolas Jarry to start his Australian Open defence while Novak Djokovic is on a collision course to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.

World No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner will be up against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry in round one of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs this week at the Australian Open, adamant he is ready and able to see off the challenge from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam crown.