Murray, Nadal, Serena To Headline Day Two Action

Tournament favourite Andy Murray and world number one Rafael Nadal will begin their journey towards a possible semi-final clash when they kick off their Australian Open campaigns on Tuesday.

World number four Murray will open the day's action on the Rod Laver Arena against Romanian journeyman Andrei Pavel at 1100 (0000 GMT), while Nadal will close proceedings on the main showcourt when he takes on Belgium's Christophe Rochus.

Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt will be determined to avoid suffering his first opening-round defeat here since 2002 when he begins his 13th tilt for the title.

Unfortunately for the Australian, who is on yet another comeback trail after undergoing hip surgery last August, the draw dealt him a cruel blow as he will come up against 13th seed, and 2007 finalist, Fernando Gonzalez.

Serena Williams will start her bid for a fourth title at Melbourne Park against China's Yuan Meng.

Fourth seed Elena Dementieva, who is so far unbeaten this season after winning titles at Auckland and Sydney, will test her credentials against Germany's Kristina Barrois.

World number six Venus Williams, who has not won an Australian Open title despite owning five Wimbledon and two U.S. Open trophies, will meet Angelique Kerber of Germany.

Last year's men's finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will be hoping to have regained his fitness, after suffering back problems last week, when he faces Argentine Juan Monaco.