Djokovic on collision course with Alcaraz

Melbourne: Defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic have landed on opposite sides of the draw for the season’s first Major, ruling out a replay of last year’s semifinals match.

Sinner upset Djokovic in the semifinals here last year before coming back to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final for his first Grand Slam singles title. Top-ranked Sinner has a first-round match against Nicolas Jarry and also has Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Medvedev in his quarter of the draw. Fritz will open against Jenson Brooksby.

Djokovic and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz could meet in the quarterfinals, with a possible semifinal against No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

At the draw Thursday to set the brackets for the singles fields, defending champions Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka walked into the official ceremony on the steps of Margaret Court Arena holding their trophies. Sabalenka drew a tough opening match against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens and has 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva and Zheng in her section.