Rafa dream run, Djoker on course for Kyrgios clash

TOP seed Rafael Nadal has a dream run towards the second week of the Australian Open as he prepares to defend his title at Melbourne Park.

The Spanish superstar has been drawn to face Briton Jack Draper in the opening round before what shapes as a fourthround meeting with American 16th seed Frances Tiafoe, a quarter-final against last year’s final opponent Daniil Medvedev and a semi-final meeting with Greek third-seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Novak Djokovic could await in the final from the other side of the draw – or even Aussie Nick Kyrgios should he progress to the second week and prevail over the Serbian star in a slated quarter-final.

Djokovic, who trained with heavy strapping on his left hamstring on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday as he battles a hamstring complaint he sustained in Adelaide last week, will mark his competitive return to Melbourne since his sensational deportation ahead of last year’s tournament against Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.

And 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka – who could meet sixth-seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round – said Djokovic remained a deserving favourite for the title.

“He’s an amazing champion and is at the top of the game,” Wawrinka said this week.

“I did beat him a few times in a grand slam and it was always an amazing match.

“Of course he’s the favourite, because he has been playing so well. He won the first tournament (of the year), he’s going to be the big favourite.

“But there will be some tough matches for him, that’s for sure. There is a lot of tough players … from a fans’ view, it’s going to be a great tournament to watch.”

Men’s seedings were adjusted for the draw on Thursday after 17th seed Marin Cilic withdrew from the tournament with a knee complaint.

Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov – seeded 27th – could await in the third round, before a potential semi-final against second seed Casper Ruud.

All opening round eyes will be on a heavyweight clash on Djokovic’s side of the draw, where triple-slam champion Andy Murray will face off with 13th seed Matteo Berrettini.

It’s not the only big battle brewing, with 2020 Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem – who is a wildcard after missing last year’s event due to injury – facing Andrey Rublev.

The winner could meet Kyrgios in the fourth round.