Andy Murray is consoled by semi-final conqueror Novak Djokovic last year.
Andy Murray has been confirmed as the third seed for next week’s Australian Open.
The British No 1, who won his maiden grand slam at last year’s US Open and retained his Brisbane Open title on Sunday, is looking to win at Melbourne Park for the first time after finishing runner-up in 2010 and 2011.
Top seed in the men’s draw is world No 1 and two-time reigning champion Novak Djokovic, who ended Murray’s hopes at the semi-final stage last year.
Roger Federer is second seed, David Ferrer fourth and Tomas Berdych fifth.
Rafa Nadal, the world No 4, pulled out of the tournament last week through illness.
The top women’s seed is title holder Victoria Azarenka, who was forced to pull out of last week’s Brisbane International semi-final against Serena Williams with a toe problem.
Maria Sharapova is seeded second, followed by Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwanska and Angelique Kerber, matching the WTA world rankings.
