Williams could also play a rematch of the US Open final against the fourth seeded Naomi Osaka of Japan in the semifinals before meeting either the 15th seeded Australian Ash Barty or the second seeded Germany Angelique Kerber in the final round.
On the women’s side, early round matches to watch include Venus Williams versus Halep in the second round as well as 2018 Melbourne champion Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark versus the 30th seeded and former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova of Russia in round three.
In day one action of the men’s side, the two time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray of Great Britain will face an extremely difficult round one opponent in the 22nd seeded Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain.
Murray revealed earlier this week in Melbourne that following his 2018 hip surgery, some pain remains in his hip and he hopes to be fit enough to continue towards a career ending Wimbledon tournament this summer.
However Murray’s opening round Melbourne match could be the last match of his career.
I’m picking Federer to defeat the second seeded Rafael Nadal of Spain in the semifinals before stopping the top seeded Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final.
Other early round men’s matches to watch include the ninth seeded, six feet ten inches tall American John Isner versus his fellow supertall American Reilly Opelka.
The 21 year old Opelka at seven feet tall is the tallest player ever on the ATP Tour.
Djokovic also could face the talented Canadian and 25th seeded Denis Shapovalov in round three.
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