Federer starts against Andreev

MELBOURNE: World No 1 Roger Federer will start his bid for a 16th Grand Slam title against 36th-ranked Russian Igor Andreev in the first round of the Australian Open next week.

Second seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain, who beat the Swiss maestro in the final last year, was paired with local hope Peter Luczak when the draw was made yesterday.

In the women's draw, four-time champion and top seed Serena Williams has drawn Poland's 71st-ranked Urszula Radwanska in the first round.