Jannik Sinner was drawn on Thursday against France’s Hugo Gaston to start his Australian Open defence and is on a collision course to meet 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster semi-final. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz opens against home hope Adam Walton.

In the women’s draw, American defending champion Madison Keys will take on Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova while World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka kicks off against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka and World No. 3 Coco Gauff are on the same side of the draw and will meet in the semi-finals if they make it that far.