Murray, 36, was the only British player to land a seeded opponent when the draw was made at Melbourne Park on Thursday.

The world number 44, who said in a recent interview with BBC Sport this could be his last year before retirement, is likely to face Novak Djokovic if he reaches the third round.

Defending champion Djokovic, aiming for a record-extending 11th title and 25th major, starts against a qualifier or lucky loser.

Cameron Norrie, who is Britain’s highest ranked player and seeded 19th, faces Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas in a part of the draw which appears quite favourable.

Dan Evans continues his return after a calf injury by playing Italy’s world number 46 Lorenzo Sonego and could face second seed Carlos Alcaraz in the next round.

Jack Draper is aiming to build on an encouraging end to the 2023 season and will face American Marcos Giron, who is ranked 60th and never been past the first round in Melbourne.

Three Britons – Harriet Dart, Francesca Jones and Oliver Crawford, an American-born player who recently switched allegiance – could yet join them in the main draw by coming through qualifying.