Novak Djokovic handed favourable slot over Roger Federer in Australian Open schedule

Novak Djokovic will avoid the intense Melbourne heat when he get his Australian Open campaign underway. The Serbian has been handed a cooler night slot, while Roger Federer plays his opening clash during the day.

Over recent years Federer has played the majority of his Australian Open matches in the night session which has led to some claims of favouritism.

But the Swiss star was handed no favours when day one’s schedule was confirmed this morning. The 38-year-old takes on American Steve Johnson in the day session on Rod Laver Arena.

However, the 20-time Grand Slam winner has been given some relief as the weather forecast is a mild 22 degrees – much cooler than the 31 degrees predicted later in the week.

Djokovic must wait until late in the evening as he closes the day’s play on centre court when he goes head-to-head with Jan-Lennard Struff.

Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka gets the tournament underway when she takes on Marie Bouzkova on Rod Laver Arena.

Serena Williams vs Anastasia Potapova follows before Federer kicks-off his 2020 season, having not taken part in the ATP Cup.

Djokovic must wait for the conclusion of Ashleigh Barty vs Lesia Tsurenko before he begins his title defence.

The pick of the matches on Margaret Court Arena sees the oldest player in the competition, Venus Williams, go head-to-head with the youngest, Coco Gauff.

Williams, 39, takes on 15-year-old Gauff in the final match of the day session.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner will be gunning from revenge after Gauff shocked her fellow American at Wimbledon last year.