Draw released for Japan Open in Tokyo: Djokovic set for potentially tough route in return to action

He could face some dangerous opposition though with Jan-Lennard Struff potentially first; if he beats Japanese qualifier Go Soeda; then the likes of Yoshihito Nishioka, Lucas Pouille, David Goffin and Marin Cilic are all in his quarter.

This means going through to the latter stages; barring any shock wins, he will face a tough route through to that point as the outright number 1 seed.

In the bottom half, Borna Coric leads proceedings who faces Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel. Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz are also down in this quarter.

Fritz though will face Reilly Opelka, a close friend of the American with both players winning their first events this season. Denis Shapovalov and Miomir Kecmanovic, both of whom are aiming for Next Gen ATP success will also face off in a repeat of their tie from Winston-Salem.

View the draw in full below: