Sydney NSW, Australia, 10 January 2015 | AAP

Samantha Stosur will play her Czech nemesis Lucie Safarova in her opening match at next week’s Sydney International.

Stosur plucked her own name out of the draw on Saturday and admitted she could have fared better.

“It’s going to be a tough one. Lucie’s got the better of me the last few matches,” said the Australian No.1.

Compatriot Jarmila Gajdosova will play German Andrea Petkovic in the first round after being awarded a wildcard into the Australian Open lead-up event.