Denis Istomin to face Roger Federer in Australian Open opening round

The Swiss defending champion last night drew Denis Istomin and immediately hit the practice courts at Melbourne Park to prepare for the Uzbek player.

Federer has won the past two Australian Opens to draw level as a six-time champion with Novak Djokovic and Australian Roy Emerson.

The 20-time grand slam champion will be wary given Istomin, who is ranked 99, delivered one of the biggest Australian Open upsets by defeating Djokovic in Melbourne two years ago.