Novak Djokovic resumes his Grand Slam title race with Rafa Nadal on Monday at the Australian Open, returning to what was his happiest hunting ground before the ugly controversy which led to his absence last year.

Having arrived in Australia unvaccinated 12 months ago, the nine-times Melbourne champion was deported amid a backlash from angry Australians who had endured some of the world's toughest lockdowns as COVID-19 infections surged.

Nadal pounced on the opportunity, vanquishing Daniil Medvedev in an epic final to capture his second title at Melbourne Park, and more importantly his 21st at Grand Slams, before adding one more major trophy to his tally at the French Open.

While Roland Garros has been Nadal's domain for nearly two decades, Melbourne Park is almost as much for Djokovic, with the world number five capturing nine titles and holding an 82-6 record since 2007.

Djokovic has also proven to be unbeatable in Australian Open semifinals and finals with 9-0 records in both, making him the automatic favourite anytime he enjoys a deep run.

Back in Australia after his three-year visa ban was waived, Djokovic has slowly won over fans and he soaked up the adulation en route to the Adelaide title -- his 11th trophy in the country -- but a more hostile reception could await in Melbourne.

If the seedings hold, Djokovic would not lock horns with Nadal until the final but he could take on Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster rematch of last year's Wimbledon final, when the Serb won his 21st major.

Defending champion Nadal also admitted he felt vulnerable heading into the Australian Open after two straight defeats against Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur in the build-up and said that Novak Djokovic was clear favourite.

"Djokovic seems to be very well prepared. He got great results at the end of the year, he has also started the year winning. It is a tournament that has always been good to him," Nadal said.

"If we talk about favourites, on Saturday before the start of the tournament, there is no doubt that he is the top favourite to win the title.

Nadal's hopes of staying ahead of Djokovic will hinge on his recovery from an injury-plagued end to last year and a slow start to this season.

The top seed faces an early test of his fitness against British young gun Jack Draper with likely clashes against Frances Tiafoe and Medvedev lying ahead.

Swiatek the favourite

Meanwhile, in women's draw, Iga Swiatek is the strong favourite to land her fourth Grand Slam title, but the picture is considerably less clear if the world number one fails to live up to her top seeding.

With Ash Barty and Serena Williams having hung up their rackets and Naomi Osaka pregnant with her first child, Melbourne Park will almost certainly usher in a new era by crowning a first-time champion on Jan. 29.

The race to fill the void left by the absence of the likes of last year's home-grown champion Barty and seven-times winner Williams should be spearheaded by Swiatek, who looked unbeatable at times last season.