Federer and Nadal pose an early threat to Murray and Djokovic's domination

Switzerland's Roger Federer plays a backhand return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Sir Andy Murray will be the top seed at a grand slam for the first time in his career at this year's Australian Open.

Murray, who became world  No 1 in November after winning four tournaments in a row, will be placed in the opposite half of today’s draw to Novak Djokovic, who is seeded second.

Djokovic is likely to be Murray’s chief rival again in Melbourne, where he is a six-time champion and has beaten the Scot four times in the final.

After sitting out the second half of last season with back and knee problems, Roger Federer is seeded 17th, meaning the Swiss could be drawn to meet either Murray or Djokovic as early as the third round.

Federer has won four Australian Open titles but the 35-year-old has not played a competitive tournament since Wimbledon last year.

Rafael Nadal represents another potential early foe. The Spaniard is seeded ninth and could therefore meet any of the top four seeds in the last 16.

Canada’s Milos Raonic, who lost to Murray in last summer’s Wimbledon final, is seeded third while reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka is four.

Angelique Kerber is top of the women’s draw and bidding to defend her Australian Open crown, after upsetting Serena Williams in the final here last year.

Williams, who also surrendered the world No 1 spot after Kerber won the US Open in September, is seeded second.

British No 1 Johanna Konta is seeded ninth. Konta made a superb run to the Australian Open semi-finals last year before eventually falling to Kerber.