Istomin takes on Federer at Australian Open 2019

Denis Istomin, an Uzbek professional tennis player, who defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Australian Open two years ago, will face double defending champion Roger Federer in this year’s tournament on January 14.

The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made on Thursday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their credentials when play gets underway in Melbourne on Monday.

Men’s top seed Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, has drawn a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Serb Djokovic could then face a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, before a possible second week match-up against Japan's Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals.

Second seed Rafa Nadal, who has question marks concerning his fitness after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will play unseeded local James Duckworth in the first round.