Hewitt, Capriati named top seeds in Melbourne

Lleyton Hewitt and Jennifer Capriati were named Australian Open top seeds today ahead of next week's tournament.

Lleyton Hewitt and Jennifer Capriati were named Australian Open top seeds today ahead of next week's tournament.

World number one Hewitt is the first Australian to be seeded one at his home grand slam since Ken Rosewall in 1976.

Defending champion Andre Agassi, seeded third this time, is aiming for his third consecutive men's singles title with 1999 champion and 2000 runner-up, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, seeded at four.

Reigning French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten is seeded two while Pete Sampras is ninth seed.

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In the women's draw, defending champion and world number two Capriati becomes the top seed, following the withdrawal of current world number one Lindsay Davenport through injury.

U.S. Open and Wimbledon Champion, Venus Williams, is second seed with three-times Australian Open Champion Martina Hingis third seed.

Kim Clijsters is seeded four ahead of Serena Williams at five and fellow Belgian Justine Henin seeded sixth.

Four time women's singles winner Monica Seles is seeded eight.

It is the first time 32 seeds have been used in the tournament's history.

The Australian Open draw will take place at Melbourne Park on Friday.