No Novak However alternatively Rest of Tennis Prepares for Australian Open

While the “will he or won’t he” question remains for No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his participation throughout the Australian Open the rest of the tennis global returns to artwork this week to prepare for the season’s first major.

FILE – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic after defeating Croatia’s Marin Cilic right through their Davis Cup tennis semi-final have compatibility at Madrid Arena in Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 3, 2021. Easiest-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Cup in Australia ahead of the principle Grand Slam of the season. Cup organizers didn’t give a the explanation why. The 34-year-old Serbian has declined to the touch upon his vaccination status in recent months and Australia’s strict rules require all avid gamers, officials and fans to be completely vaccinated for COVID-19. (AP {Photograph}/Bernat Armangue)

By the use of DENNIS PASSA, AP Sports activities actions Author

While the “will he or won’t he” question remains for No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his participation throughout the Australian Open, the rest of the tennis global returns to artwork this week to prepare for the season’s first major beginning Jan. 17 at Melbourne Park.

The lads’s ATP Cup workforce match has been on given that weekend in Sydney, and there are 3 tune-up events being carried out this week in Melbourne as part of Tennis Australia’s “Summer season Set” of tournaments — two WTA tournaments and one ATP.

In Adelaide, there is a joint ATP and WTA fit this week. Next week, every Adelaide and Sydney will snatch joint ATP-WTA tournaments.

Djokovic is still nowhere to be noticed.

Australian Open chief government Craig Tiley says there is also “somewhat just a little to play out” previous to nine-time champion Djokovic presentations up to play in Australia.

The top-ranked player has continuously refused to turn if he is vaccinated against COVID-19, a requirement to play in Melbourne. On the other hand there was once speculation Djokovic might simply practice for a scientific exemption to play as he eyes a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam singles title. He is tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20.

Djokovic withdrew from Serbia’s ATP Cup workforce ultimate week.

“We’ve however got a few charter flights coming in until the top of this week and then all of the avid gamers will probably be proper right here,” Tiley mentioned. “As far as the status relates to Novak, I think we’ll have a far clearer symbol throughout the coming days in a different way it’s getting pretty previous because of flip up and play the Australian Open. There’s somewhat just a little to play out and I think it’ll play out throughout the coming days.”

Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep will headline the WTA fit in Melbourne this week while Nadal, recovering from COVID-19, is the very best seed at the ATP match at Melbourne Park. Moreover throughout the ATP fit is second-seeded Reilly Opelka, Nick Kyrgios and Grigor Dimitrov.

In Adelaide, top-ranked and Wimbledon champion Ash Barty is the headliner, joined by way of Coco Gauff, Petra Kvitova, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka. Gael Monfils is the No. 1 seed at the Adelaide ATP fit, while Karen Khachanov is seeded second.

U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Melbourne fit, having merely come out of isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

Raducanu, who become the principle qualifier to win a Grand Slam fit when she won at Flushing Meadows in September, had pulled out of an Abu Dhabi fit in overdue December after contracting the virus.

Two of the most important names in tennis will not be taking part in the Australian Open.

Federer is still recovering from correct knee surgical process.

Serena Williams’ Grand Slam title drought will officially reach 5 years after the 23-time major champion presented her withdrawal from the Australian Open ultimate month as a result of an ongoing hamstring hurt. It method she’ll pass over any other chance to tie Margaret Court’s all-time Grand Slam tick list.

Williams’ twenty 3rd major singles title — and most recent — were given right here at the Australian Open in 2017.

And for the principle time in 24 years, no Williams sister will probably be in movement at Melbourne Park. Venus Williams, 41, hasn’t carried out since August on account of a leg hurt.

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