MELBOURNE, Australia — Defending champion Serena Williams and No. 5-ranked Maria Sharapova were drawn into the same section for the Australian Open on Friday, meaning last year's finalists could meet in the quarterfinals.
Six-time champion Williams has a tough draw starting in the opening round against Camila Giorgi of Italy, who finished 2015 at No. 34 and was the highest-ranked player who was not seeded for the season's first major. Williams could also meet former No. 1-ranked Caroline Wozniacki in the fourth round.
Men's champion Novak Djokovic will open against Chung Hyeon of South Korea and, if results go with rankings, could meet No.