World number one Novak Djokovic pulled out of an Adelaide exhibition because of a blistered hand on Friday before appearing on court to play a set after all, helping his compatriot Filip Krajinovic beat Jannik Sinner.

Out then in, Djokovic plays a set in Adelaide exhibition

Even a 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open could not dampen Belarusian ace Victoria Azarenka's excitement for the game. ALSO READ: Out then in, Djokovic plays a set in Adelaide exhibition Former world number one, who won both her Grand Slams in Australia (2012, 2013), earned her first title since 2016 at the Western & Southern Open in August when Naomi Osaka withdrew from the final with injury.

'The excitement level is rising': Victoria Azarenka on her form ahead of Australian Open

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal takes sly dig at Novak Djokovic over quarantine complaints

One case of COVID-19 among those in quarantine ahead of the Australian Open has been reclassified, local health officials said on Sunday, leaving nine active cases in the group of players and support staff isolating in Melbourne hotels.

Nine active cases of COVID-19 in Australian Open quarantine: Officials

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday lashed out at the criticism of his letter to Australian Open chief Craig Tiley in which the Serb suggested easing of COVID-19 quarantine restriction as the world number one tennis star said his intentions were "misconstrued”.

Novak Djokovic lashes out at critics over Australian Open quarantine stance

Two Australian Open tennis players have tested positive for the coronavirus, health officials said on Tuesday, in a new blow for the tournament which is facing a backlash from a wary public.

Two players test positive in new Australian Open blow

Australian Open officials on Monday confirmed that four more participants, including an athlete, tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Melbourne. "All four are associated with the tennis, and they're all tucked away safely in hotel quarantine," Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters of the new cases.

Four more participants in Australian Open test positive for COVID-19

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has confirmed the year's first Grand Slam will go ahead from Feb. 8 despite anger from players forced into hard quarantine in Melbourne due to positive COVID-19 cases on their charter planes.

Australian Open to plough ahead despite players' quarantine anger

Health chiefs vowed Friday there will be no preferential treatment for five-time finalist Andy Murray, saying he must return a negative Covid-19 test if he wants to play the Australian Open.

No special favours for virus-hit Andy Murray, Aussie health chiefs say

Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch.

Strict quarantine awaits world's top tennis stars in Australia

Australian Open organisers were forced to find new quarantine accommodation for players Tuesday after a hotel pulled out, reportedly because of concerns from residents.

Australian Open forced to switch player quarantine hotel

The 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer is withdrawing from the Australian Open while he continues preparing to return to action after two operations on his right knee, his agent said.

Roger Federer out of Australian Open after knee surgery but planning 2021 return: Agent

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning.

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

ATP Tour on Thursday released an update of its calendar for 2021 revising the first seven weeks of the season and announced that the Australian Open will kick-off on February 8, three weeks later than scheduled.

Australian Open to commence on February 8: ATP

The Australian Open 2021 could be moved to later date in the year due to COVID-19 pandemic, however, the tournament director Craig Tiley has said that the tournament organisers are confident of hosting the Grand Slam with complete prize money and fans in the stands in its scheduled time in January.