CAROLINE Wozniacki and defending champion Novak Djokovic have been confirmed as the top-seeded players at the Australian Open. The decision saw the tournament organisers stick to convention and base the seedings for the season’s first major on the current WTA and ATP rankings.
The 2009 champion Rafael Nadal, four-time champion Roger Federer and Andy Murray – who has lost the past two finals at the Australian Open – made up the top four seeds on the men’s side.
Of the top 32-ranked men, only Robin Soderling and Marin Cilic will be absent from the first Grand Slam of the season.
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was named the second seed and followed by Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova.
The Czech has the incentive of clinching top spot in the women’s world rankings if she can secure the Sydney International title – where nine of the top 10 are playing, including present incumbent of the number one spot, Wozniacki.
Defending women’s champion Kim Clijsters (hip) and 2010 champion Serena Williams (left ankle) sustained injuries during the Brisbane International last week, but both are expected to play at the Australian Open.
Clijsters was named the 12th seed – one spot in front of Williams, who was unable to defend her Australian title last year due to prolonged injury.
Williams has only lost twice at Melbourne Park since winning the title in 2003, missing tournaments in 2004 and 2011 and winning the title five times.
The full draw for the tournament will be held Friday.