Australian No.1 Nick Kyrgios faces a tough time opening his 2015 campaign with title success at the Sydney International.

After withdrawing from the Hopman Cup with a back complaint, Kyrgios launches his summer against 2013 Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz.

If he gets past the big-serving Pole, Kyrgios will likely meet Argentine fifth seed Leonardo Mayer in the second round and could strike defending champion Juan Martin del Potro or top seed Fabio Fognini in the semi-finals.

Countryman Bernard Tomic, who landed his maiden title in Sydney in 2013 before falling to del Potro in last year’s final, opens up against a qualifer.