Djokovic to face qualifier in Aussie Open first round

MELBOURNE - Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic was on Thursday drawn to play a qualifier in the Australian Open first round.

In the potential second round, reigning champion Djokovic will most likely face Australian Alexei Popyrin, who will play compatriot and wild card holder Marc Polmans in the first round.

If he reaches the quarter-finals, Djokovic will most likely play Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and avoid an encounter with Alexander Zverev all the way until the potential final.

The Australian Open will be held from January 14 through 28, and Djokovic will make an attempt to win his 11th title in Melbourne and his 25th career Grand Slam trophy.