Australian Open 2024 draw: Emma Raducanu faces Shelby Rogers, Andy Murray takes on Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Raducanu last featured in one of the sport’s marquee events in Melbourne last year, where she lost to Coco Gauff in straight sets in the second round.
She underwent wrist and ankle surgeries in May, which ruled her out for the rest of 2023 before she made her comeback at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Raducanu, who is playing under a protected ranking of 103, beat Rogers on her run from the qualifiers to Grand Slam glory at the 2021 US Open.
Rogers reached a career-best ranking of 30 in 2022 but missed the second half of 2023 with an abdominal issue.
Should Raducanu progress, she will play either China’s Wang Yafan or Romania’s Sorana Cirstea before a potential clash with British No. 1 Katie Boulter in the third round.
Boulter enjoyed a stellar 2023 and takes on China’s Yuan Yue in her opening round. Jodie Burrage is the other Brit in the women’s main draw and makes her Australian Open debut against Tamara Korspatsch.
Murray on potential collision course with Djokovic
Murray, a five-time finalist in Melbourne, will face 30th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the opening round of the men’s singles.
The 36-year-old has said this could be his final season on tour so will be eager to make a good run and improve on his recent Grand Slam record.
If Murray makes it to the third round, he is likely to face defending champion Novak Djokovic in what would be the pick of the early round action.
Djokovic begins his quest for a record-extending 11th title against a qualifier or lucky loser. The Serbian was last in action when he lost to Alex de Minaur in the United Cup amid struggles with his wrist, although he insisted he would be fully fit in time to kick off his defence in Melbourne.
‘Confidence is growing’ – Djokovic eyes more success at Australian Open
Elsewhere, Carlos Alcaraz has been drawn against France’s Richard Gasquet in what could be an intriguing match-up, while men’s third seed Daniil Medvedev takes on a qualifier.
As for the rest of the British contingent, Cameron Norrie will play Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas, Dan Evans faces Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, and Jack Draper is up against America’s Marcos Giron.
Swiatek faces former champion
Women’s world No. 1 Iga Swiatek has arguably landed the toughest draw of anyone. The Pole will begin her title bid against 2020 champion Sofia Kenin ahead of a potential second-round clash with another former champion in Angelique Kerber.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who is making her Grand Slam return after giving birth, also faces a difficult opening assignment as she takes on 16th seed Caroline Garcia.
Caroline Wozniacki, the 2018 champion, has drawn 20th seed Magda Linette, while third seed Elena Rybakina is up against former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova.
‘Trying not to put pressure on myself’ – Sabalenka ahead of Australian Open defence
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will open against a qualifier but could play Ons Jabeur in the quarter-finals if both make it that far.
US Open champion Gauff takes on Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.
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