Ashleigh Barty won’t face a higher-ranked opponent until the fourth round of the Australian Open if she makes a run into the second week of the season-opening grand slam.
The top-ranked Australian, who upset world No.1 Simona Halep at the Sydney International on Wednesday, will be the 15th seed at Melbourne Park, one spot ahead of 23-time major winner Serena Williams.
Young gun Alex de Minaur is the only other Aussie to receive a sheltered run, having secured his first grand slam seeding at No.27.
French Open winner Halep has been handed the top seed on the women’s side, with Novak Djokovic listed No.1 for the men as the Serb vies for a record seventh title in Melbourne.
Last year’s winners Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki will both play as third seeds.