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14-28 Jan
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Groth draws top seed Fritz in AO qualifying

  • Alex Sharp

Home charge Sam Groth will launch his final Australian Open in men’s qualifying against top seed Taylor Fritz.

Groth, who peaked at a career-high world No.53 back in 2015, will take on the American 20-year-old for the first time, hoping to be boosted by local support at Melbourne Park.

Fellow Australian Bernard Tomic, a former fourth round participant at his home Grand Slam, will open his campaign against world No.192 Vincent Millot in their first meeting.

Men's qualifying draw in full

Omar Jasika and James Ducksworth are set to contest an all-Australian encounter in a draw bolstered by home talent: wildcard Bradley Mousley has a tough task, looking to oust third seed Marco Cecchinato, while Blake Ellis, fresh from practising with 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer at Hopman Cup last week, has an intriguing match-up with American youngster Stefan Kozlov.

Marc Polmans will vie for a second round ticket against Darian King, whilst Andrew Whittington will have to topple ‘Next Gen’ prospect Michael Mmoh.

Second seed Nicolas Mahut will bring his extensive experience to the court facing Serbian Danilo Petrovic, while Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi stands in the way of Dustin Brown and fifth seed Vasek Pospisil has been drawn Italian Lorenzo Giustino.

There are two all-American clashes for spectators to see at Melbourne Park. The towering Reilly Opelka will take on Christian Harrison, younger brother to Brisbane finalist Ryan Harrison, along with Noah Rubin’s match with world No.176 Mackenzie McDonald.

Wildcard Maverick Banes will hope to fly the flag for the green and gold through qualifying, but will have to oust 24th seed Norbert Gombos at the first hurdle. Back in 2015 Marinko Matosevic featured in the main draw second round at Melbourne Park and the Australian will start his qualifying quest against world No.236 Dennis Novikov.

Sydney teenager Max Purcell has a tricky opener facing Dmitry Popko, whilst Di Wu presents a first challenge for Dayne Kelly.

Men’s qualifying starts on Wednesday morning at Melbourne Park, with 128 players vying for 16 spots in the main draw. You can find the match schedule here.