History bid
He meets American teenager Nishesh Basavareddy first.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about him,” said the Serb. “I saw that he’s very quick. He’s very talented player.
“I have to obviously approach that match very seriously, like any other, and do my best to get a win.”
Second seed Zverev plays the men’s night match on Rod Laver Arena Sunday against France’s Lucas Pouille, with sixth seed Casper Ruud also in action.
Zverev will be on court after Sabalenka, who kicks off her title defence against American former US Open winner Stephens.
The Belarusian top seed is looking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to win three consecutive titles.
Should she do so, Sabalenka will join a select group that also includes Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
“I know that I have the possibility of joining legends by winning three times in a row,” she said.
“But I don’t want to overthink about that. I just want to do my job.”
World number three Coco Gauff also faces a tricky start, with 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin awaiting her.
But second seed Iga Swiatek has an easier assignment against Czech doubles specialist Katerina Siniakova, ranked 46.
However, the Polish five-time Grand Slam winner, who served a one-month sanction for doping last year, has sixth seed Elena Rybakina and eighth seed Emma Navarro in her half of the draw.
