Greek Cypriot and local fan favourite Marcos Baghdatis has received a favourable first round draw for the Australian Open.

The 2006 runner-up and 20th seed will face an as-yet-unnamed qualifier.

But the action will heat up quickly for Baghdatis, who is likely to face Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round.

The Argentine has also enjoyed good performances in Australia, having reached the Australian Open fourth round in 2010 and the quarter finals in 2009.

11th seed Austrian Jurgen Melzer looms as a likely third round opponent should Baghdatis progress, while 2010 Australian Open runner-up Andy Murray will probably be the fourth round opponent for Baghdatis, Melzer or Del Potro.

Top mens seed Rafael Nadal will face Brazilian Marcos Daniel while women’s number 1. Caroline Wozniacki opens her account against Gisela Dulko in the women’s draw.

Unseeded Australian Lleyton Hewitt has the unenviable task of face David Nalbandian (27th seed) in probably the best match of the first round.

In-form Swede and fourth seed Robin Soderling is the top seed in the second quarter and the twice-French Open finalist will face Italian Potito Starace.

Soderling along with Frenchman Jo-Wilifried Tsonga are the major seeds on the Baghdatis and Murray quarter of the draw.

2008 champion Novak Djokovic, will face Spain’s Marcel Granollers in his first match. The Serb will be the player to beat in that quarter of the draw, whilst Tomas Berdych, Nikolay Davydenko, and Fernando Verdasco will all look to progress from this quarter.

Unlucky Lukas Lacko will be the first round opponent for number two seed Roger Federer who tops the fourth quarter, which also includes eighth seed Andy Roddick and Frenchman Gael Monfils (12th seed).