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'Couldn't have asked for better': Nick Kyrgios avoids first-round disaster as full Australian Open draw revealed

Updated January 9, 2025 - 7.56am. First published at 4.05am

Nick Kyrgios has avoided disaster in the first round of the Australian Open, taking on unseeded British player Jacob Fearnley - but it could be tough going after that.

The draw was officially announced on Thursday, with the polarising Aussie superstar on a collision course with world No.2 Alexander Zverev if he makes the third round.

Kyrgios is slowly making his way back from a lengthy injury layoff and admitted this week he was dealing with an abdominal issue after the Brisbane International.

"When the draw came out and he looked at it, he would have been like 'Oh that's nice' ... he couldn't have asked for a better draw," Todd Woodbridge told 9News.

Nick Kyrgios reacts during the Brisbane International. — Nick Kyrgios. Getty

Top local men's hope, Alex de Minaur, meanwhile will take on unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round at Melbourne Park and has the opportunity to cruise through the early rounds, having drawn a likely match-up with Argentinian 31st seed Francisco Cerundolo in the third round.

A potential fourth round upset with 2023 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas then looms, with world No.1 Jannik Sinner the most likely quarter-final opponent should he progress.

Defending champion Sinner will play Nicolas Jarry in his first assignment.

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In the women's draw, Aussie teen prodigy Emerson Jones has been dealt a blow after being drawn to play world No.6 Elena Rybakina in the first round.

Emerson Jones of Australia celebrates a point in her match against Xinyu Wang of China during day one of the 2025 Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on January 06, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) — Emerson Jones will play in her first Australian Open. Getty

Fellow teenager Maya Joint, who also received a wildcard entry this week, will take on seventh seed Jessica Pegula in an equally tough first up assignment.

Daria Saville and Alja Tomlanovic both avoided seeded players in the first round draw.

Last year's winner Aryna Sabalenka will play former US Open champion Sloane Stephens first up in what looms as a tricky match for the Belarusian superstar.