Nick Kyrgios has avoided disaster in the first round of the Australian Open, taking on unseeded British player Jacob Fearnley – but it could be tough going after that.

The draw was officially announced on Thursday afternoon, with the polarising Aussie superstar on a collision course with Alexander Zverev if he makes the third round.

Kyrgios is slowly making his way back from a lengthy injury layoff and recently admitted he was dealing with an abdominal issue after the Brisbane International.

READ MORE: Opetaia defends world titles with ruthless display

READ MORE: Inside Kyrgios’ ‘ridiculous’ war with world No.1

READ MORE: Skipper lifts lid on impact of brutal Tigers punishments

For the other top local men’s hope, Alex de Minaur will take on unseeded Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round at Melbourne Park and should avoid seeds early on.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner will play Nicolas Jarry in his first assignment.

Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.

In the women’s draw, 16-year-old Aussie prospect Emerson Jones has been dealt a blow after being drawn to play Elena Rybakina in the first round.

Fellow teenager Maya Joint, who also received a wildcard entry this week, will take on seventh seed Jessica Pegula in an even tougher first assignment.

Daria Saville and Alja Tomlanovic both avoided seeded players in the first round draw.

Last year’s winner Aryna Sabalenka will play former US Open champion Sloane Stephens first up in what looms as a tricky match for the Russian superstar.

MORE TO FOLLOW…