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Roger Federer to face Aljaz Bedene at Australian Open

Federer to face Bedene at Australian Open
© SilverHub
Defending champion Roger Federer will face former British representative Aljaz Bedene in the opening round of the Australian Open.

Defending champion Roger Federer has been handed a showdown with Aljaz Bedene in the opening round of the Australian Open.

Twelve months ago, Federer marked his return from a six-month layoff with a dramatic victory over Rafael Nadal and the pair have again been placed in separate halves of the draw in Melbourne.

Federer meets former British representative Bedene, with a clash with Novak Djokovic potentially coming further down the line after the 14th seed was paired with Donald Young on his comeback from injury.

Alexander Zverev also features in that side of the draw but in the other half, Nadal plays world number 81 Victor Estrella Burgos.

After Cameron Norrie lost in qualifying on Thursday, Kyle Edmund will be the sole British player in the men's draw, and the 23-year-old has been given a clash with US Open runner-up Kevin Anderson.

In the women's draw, Johanna Konta will meet American Madison Brengle as she attempts to reach the last eight for the third successive year, while Heather Watson comes up against Yulia Putintseva.

Top seed Simona Halep plays Australian youngster Destanee Aiava, with former champion Maria Sharapova set to face Tatjana Maria.

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Darren Plant
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