MIKE DICKSON IN MELBOURNE: Roger Federer will face former British player Aljaz Bedene as he next week begins the defence of his Australian Open title from last year.
The Manchester City star, widely regarded as one of the best players in world football, showed plenty of early promise in the game as he lined up for Gent, going on to score four brilliant goals.
Broady, the seventh seed, dropped the second set to Kathinka von Deichmann of Liechtenstein but recovered to win 7-6, 5-7, 6-3 in hot conditions in Melbourne during the qualifying tournament.
Manchester United and Tottenham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of youngster Ryan Sessegnon after Fulham's chairman vowed not to sell him in the January transfer window.
The ICC's inspection, led by former West Indies captain Richie Richardson, was essentially a formality with tickets having already been sold for the grand opening on January 28.