Federer opens against Phau

Roger Federer begins the defence of his Australian Open title on Monday against Germany's Bjorn Phau in the opening round in Melbourne.

Bidding for his 10th career grand slam title, Federer could land a tricky last-eight clash with Marcos Baghdatis - the man he beat in last year's final - should either progress that far.

Baghdatis will open against Germany's Rainer Schuettler while sixth seed Andy Roddick, who faces Federer in the final of the Kooyong Classic, will open against Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Meanwhile, Marat Safin will take on Germany's Benjamin Becker.

In the other half of the draw, Rafael Nadal will tackle American Robert Kendrick, who raced into a two-set lead over the Spaniard at Wimbledon last year before Nadal battled back to win.

Andy Murray will face Spaniard Alberto Martin and Britain's number one could face Nadal in the fourth round.

Australian Lleyton Hewitt, who is battling to regain fitness from a calf strain he picked up last week, will open against an as yet unknown qualifier.

Fifth-seeded American James Blake will face French Open champion Carlos Moya.

In the women's competition, second seed Amelie Mauresmo gets the defence of her title underway against American Shenay Perry.

Justin Henin-Hardenne, who retired from last year's final against Mauresmo, is not taking part in the tournament due to family reasons.

Top seed Maria Sharapova faces France's Camille Pin in her first match while three-times former champion Martina Hingis opens against Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy. Serena Williams comes up against Italian Mara Santangelo.