Melbourne: Australian Open organizers have stuck with convention and kept the seedings for the season's first major in line with WTA and ATP rankings, meaning Caroline Wozniacki will be top seed in the women's draw even if she loses top spot to Petra Kvitova at the Sydney International this week.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic is seeded No. 1 in the men's draw. He is followed by 2009 champion Rafael Nadal, four-time champion Roger Federer and Andy Murray, who has lost the past two finals at the Australian Open. Of the top 32 men, only Robin Soderling and Marin Cilic are absent.
Wimbledon champion Kvitova can move from No. 2 to No. 1 in the rankings by winning the Sydney International — where nine of the top 10 women are playing, including Wozniacki — but too late to affect Australian Open seedings list. All the top 32 women have entered the Melbourne draw.
Defending women's champion Kim Clijsters (hip) and 2010 champion Serena Williams (left ankle) sustained injuries during the Brisbane International last week, but both are expected to play at the Australian Open.
Clijsters is seeded No. 12, one spot above Williams, who was unable to defend her Australian title last year due to prolonged injury. Williams has lost only twice at Melbourne Park since winning the title in 2003 — missing tournaments in 2004 and 2011 and winning the title five times.
The draw for the 2012 tournament will be held Friday morning.
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