Australian Open is just around the corner and participation of one of the biggest names in the tennis world, Novak Djokovic, is still uncertain after organisers said that only fully-vaccinated players will be allowed into the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

After Serbia's 2-1 defeat against Croatia in the Davis Cup semi-finals on Friday (December 3), Djokovic was addressing a virtual press conference where he promised to make the final decision on his Australian Open participation "very soon".&nbsp;

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During the presser, he said, "Honestly, I'm going to try to use the next days to just rejuvenate, recover, and forget about tennis. So right now I understand you want some answers on where I start the season, how I start it. I'm really, really tired from this season and this whole year, so I just prefer sticking to the family quality time, rehab mode, then let's see what the future brings."

"I'm not going to give you an answer tonight. I know what you want to ask me. But you will be informed. That's all I can tell you. I cannot give you any date. Obviously, Australia is around the corner, so you will know very soon," he added.&nbsp;

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The 34-year-old Djokovic has repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19 or not. Last week, with his father Srdjan told a media outlet that the world's top-ranked player would probably pull out of the tournament.&nbsp;

In 2021, the world number one captured three of the season's four Grand Slams that levelled him with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20. His dream of winning the record Grand Slam remains doubtful as the Australian Open organisers insisted only fully-vaccinated players will be allowed into the country.

Australian Open is just around the corner and participation of one of the biggest names in the tennis world, Novak Djokovic, is still uncertain after organisers said that only fully-vaccinated players will be allowed into the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Australian Open is just around the corner and participation of one of the biggest names in the tennis world, Novak Djokovic, is still uncertain after organisers said that only fully-vaccinated players will be allowed into the country owing to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. After Serbia's 2-1 defeat against Croatia in the Davis Cup semi-finals on Friday (December 3), Djokovic was addressing a virtual press conference where he promised to make the final decision on his Australian Open participation "very soon". ALSO READ | US supports WTA for call to suspend tournaments in China over Peng Shuai concerns During the presser, he said, "Honestly, I'm going to try to use the next days to just rejuvenate, recover, and forget about tennis. So right now I understand you want some answers on where I start the season, how I start it. I'm really, really tired from this season and this whole year, so I just prefer sticking to the family quality time, rehab mode, then let's see what the future brings." "I'm not going to give you an answer tonight. I know what you want to ask me. But you will be informed. That's all I can tell you. I cannot give you any date. Obviously, Australia is around the corner, so you will know very soon," he added. ALSO READ: ATP urges for 'communication' between Peng Shuai and WTA after suspension of tennis tournaments in China The 34-year-old Djokovic has repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19 or not. Last week, with his father Srdjan told a media outlet that the world's top-ranked player would probably pull out of the tournament. In 2021, the world number one captured three of the season's four Grand Slams that levelled him with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20. His dream of winning the record Grand Slam remains doubtful as the Australian Open organisers insisted only fully-vaccinated players will be allowed into the country.

Novak Djokovic to make Australian Open decision 'very soon' as participation remains doubtful

Tennis ace Novak Djokovic will reportedly skip the Australian Open over the tournament's vaccine mandate. Why are so many professional athletes refusing the jab? Are they paranoid or misled? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Novak Djokovic to skip Australian Open?

Novak Djokovic is unlikely to play at the Australian Open if rules on COVID-19 vaccinations are not relaxed, the world number one's father, Srdjan Djokovic, said.

Organisers of the year's first Grand Slam have said that all players will have to be vaccinated to take part.

Djokovic has so far declined to disclose whether he is vaccinated and his father told Serbia's TV Prva that governing body Tennis Australia's stance on players being vaccinated was tantamount to "blackmail".

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"As far as vaccines and non-vaccines are concerned, it is the personal right of each of us whether we will be vaccinated or not.

No one has the right to enter into our intimacy," news website B92 quoted Srdjan as saying.

"Under these blackmails and conditions, (Djokovic) probably won't (play). I wouldn`t do that. And he`s my son, so you decide for yourself."

Djokovic has won nine Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park, including this year`s tournament, and shares the record of 20 men`s Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal.

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Nadal has confirmed he will play at Melbourne Park in January but Federer will miss the tournament as he recovers from another knee surgery.

The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

Novak Djokovic is unlikely to play at the Australian Open if rules on COVID-19 vaccinations are not relaxed, the world number one's father, Srdjan Djokovic, said.

Novak Djokovic is unlikely to play at the Australian Open if rules on COVID-19 vaccinations are not relaxed, the world number one's father, Srdjan Djokovic, said. Organisers of the year's first Grand Slam have said that all players will have to be vaccinated to take part. Djokovic has so far declined to disclose whether he is vaccinated and his father told Serbia's TV Prva that governing body Tennis Australia's stance on players being vaccinated was tantamount to "blackmail". ALSO READ: Leader accused by tennis player personified power in Beijing elite "As far as vaccines and non-vaccines are concerned, it is the personal right of each of us whether we will be vaccinated or not. No one has the right to enter into our intimacy," news website B92 quoted Srdjan as saying. "Under these blackmails and conditions, (Djokovic) probably won't (play). I wouldn`t do that. And he`s my son, so you decide for yourself." Djokovic has won nine Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park, including this year`s tournament, and shares the record of 20 men`s Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal. ALSO READ | The curious case of China vs rest of world over a 'missing' tennis star Nadal has confirmed he will play at Melbourne Park in January but Federer will miss the tournament as he recovers from another knee surgery. The Australian Open begins on Jan. 17.

Nine-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic likely to skip tournament over vaccine mandate, says father

Tennis Australia announced its "Summer of Tennis" on Thursday, which would include a host of events across several states in the lead-up to the Australian Open 2022. 
 
Ahead of the tournament, beginning officially on January 17, a total of 17 events will be held in the states of New South Wales (NSW), South Australia, and Victoria.

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Get set for a MASSIVE summer of tennis. 
 
👉 <a href="https://t.co/UJNVZXE5OZ">https://t.co/UJNVZXE5OZ</a> 📅<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> 🔜 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/y7M4BII86s">pic.twitter.com/y7M4BII86s</a>
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Among the warm-up tournaments announced was the ATP Cup, which was confirmed to be hosted by Sydney from January 1-9. 
 
"There is no better place to kick off the season than in Australia and we look forward to seeing the fans out in force in January," said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi.

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Other headline events include the Victorian Wheelchair open from January 8-12, and the Adelaide International women`s events beginning January 2. 
 
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said the line-up was designed to create numerous competition opportunities for some of the best players in the world. 
 
"It`s incredibly important to have the world`s best players competing across the country, inspiring the next generation of players and growing interest and excitement in our sport," he said. 
 
The series of events is set to be one of Australia`s largest international events since it closed its borders due to the pandemic and would be a boon for crippled local economies.

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Tiley said the pandemic has created a "massive challenge" for the event: "It`s why we waited as long as possible to secure optimal conditions for the players and fans in as many locations as we could." 
 
The qualifying round for the Australian Open would run from January 10-14 and the main event would run from Jan 17-30. 
 
Tennis Australia has previously announced that unvaccinated players would not be permitted to compete in the 2022 Australian Open.

Tennis Australia announced its "Summer of Tennis" on Thursday, which would include a host of events across several states in the lead-up to the Australian Open 2022.

Tennis Australia announced its "Summer of Tennis" on Thursday, which would include a host of events across several states in the lead-up to the Australian Open 2022. Ahead of the tournament, beginning officially on January 17, a total of 17 events will be held in the states of New South Wales (NSW), South Australia, and Victoria. Get set for a MASSIVE summer of tennis. 👉 https://t.co/UJNVZXE5OZ 📅#AusOpen 🔜 #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/y7M4BII86s — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) November 25, 2021 × Among the warm-up tournaments announced was the ATP Cup, which was confirmed to be hosted by Sydney from January 1-9. "There is no better place to kick off the season than in Australia and we look forward to seeing the fans out in force in January," said ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi. ALSO READ: When Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer's Instagram live left tennis lovers in awe during Covid lockdown - WATCH Other headline events include the Victorian Wheelchair open from January 8-12, and the Adelaide International women`s events beginning January 2. Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said the line-up was designed to create numerous competition opportunities for some of the best players in the world. "It`s incredibly important to have the world`s best players competing across the country, inspiring the next generation of players and growing interest and excitement in our sport," he said. The series of events is set to be one of Australia`s largest international events since it closed its borders due to the pandemic and would be a boon for crippled local economies. ALSO READ | China makes first official statement on tennis star Peng Shuai, says case 'maliciously hyped up' Tiley said the pandemic has created a "massive challenge" for the event: "It`s why we waited as long as possible to secure optimal conditions for the players and fans in as many locations as we could." The qualifying round for the Australian Open would run from January 10-14 and the main event would run from Jan 17-30. Tennis Australia has previously announced that unvaccinated players would not be permitted to compete in the 2022 Australian Open.

Australian 'Summer of Tennis 2022' schedule announced, Australian Open from Jan 17

The ball is back in Novak Djokovic's court. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley confirmed on Saturday that everyone who attends the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of 2022 will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including all the players.

That continues to leave the status of defending and nine-time champion Djokovic in question. Djokovic, who has refused to say if he's vaccinated, would be attempting to win a record 21st Grand Slam singles title.

The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 17-30. The Victorian state government had earlier said only vaccinated persons would be allowed into the site for the tournament, and Tiley reiterated that on Saturday. 
Everyone on site, the fans, all the staff, the players, will need to be vaccinated,? Tiley said at the tournament's official launch. 
There's been a lot of speculation about Novak's position, he's said it's a private matter. We would love to see Novak here, but he knows he needs to be vaccinated in order to play. He's always said that the Australian Open is the event that puts the wind in his sails."

The no-vaccine, no-play edict was made by the Victorian state government in late October. It means the Australian Open will become the first Grand Slam tournament to require mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for the players. 
Victoria has been the hardest-hit state in Australia, with 1,268 pandemic deaths out of the country's total of 1,922 and 109,000 of 194,000 overall cases as of Saturday.

Melbourne and many other areas of Victoria have been subject to lengthy lockdowns and overnight curfews over the past 18 months. It's been made very clear, when the premier (Daniel Andrews) announced several weeks ago that in order to participate at the Australian Open, to come into Victoria, you'll need to be fully vaccinated,? Tiley said earlier on a morning television program.

Immediately we communicated that to the playing group, it is the one direction that you take that is going to ensure everyone's safety." Among the top male players, Tiley, who is the tournament director, said Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who beat Djokovic in the final of the U.S. Open, preventing the Serbian player from completing a calendar-year Grand Slam, plan to be in Melbourne in January.

Roger Federer, who continues to recover from right knee surgery, has already said he won't be coming. He, Nadal and Djokovic are all tied with 20 singles majors each.

Top-ranked Ash Barty of Australia will make another attempt to win her home major, and defending champion Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she'll play, Tiley said.

He said he'd been on the phone&nbsp;with Serena Williams in the past few days and Williams, who has 23 Grand Slam singles titles and needs one more to tie Margaret Court's all-time record, is training and plans to play.

Tiley, who said he'd also been in contact with Djokovic and his team, said it will be apparent by mid-December who will be coming. He said international players were currently going through the travel visa process with the Australian government and that entry for the Australian Open closes in December.

I know that he wants to play, he's clearly indicated that and he knows the conditions that he would have to undergo in order to be eligible to play," Tiley said of Djokovic.

Entry in here will be determined by around early to the middle of December on the entry deadline, So you'll know when a player's entered an event . . . So in the next couple of weeks you will have really good indication of where everyone's at because at that point there's an official list of who's going to be here.

Tiley said there will be full crowds for the tournament, meaning Rod Laver Arena will return to its capacity of about 15,000, as will the other main arenas.

The second week's schedule has changed for January's tournament, with both women's singles semifinals to be played Thursday evening ahead of the Saturday night final.

The men's singles semifinals will be split over the afternoon and evening session on Friday, with the final on Sunday night, Jan. 30.

Also, Victoria state Sports Minister Martin Pakula announced that Melbourne Park will host the Australian Open until 2044 under a new deal negotiated with Tennis Australia.

There's been speculation for several years that Sydney and New South Wales state wanted to poach the tournament from Melbourne, but Saturday's announcement appears to have ended any speculation about a move northeast to Australia's largest city.&nbsp;

The ball is back in Novak Djokovic's court. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley confirmed on Saturday that everyone who attends the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of 2022 will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including all the players.

The ball is back in Novak Djokovic's court. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley confirmed on Saturday that everyone who attends the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of 2022 will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including all the players. That continues to leave the status of defending and nine-time champion Djokovic in question. Djokovic, who has refused to say if he's vaccinated, would be attempting to win a record 21st Grand Slam singles title. The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 17-30. The Victorian state government had earlier said only vaccinated persons would be allowed into the site for the tournament, and Tiley reiterated that on Saturday. Everyone on site, the fans, all the staff, the players, will need to be vaccinated,? Tiley said at the tournament's official launch. There's been a lot of speculation about Novak's position, he's said it's a private matter. We would love to see Novak here, but he knows he needs to be vaccinated in order to play. He's always said that the Australian Open is the event that puts the wind in his sails." The no-vaccine, no-play edict was made by the Victorian state government in late October. It means the Australian Open will become the first Grand Slam tournament to require mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for the players. Victoria has been the hardest-hit state in Australia, with 1,268 pandemic deaths out of the country's total of 1,922 and 109,000 of 194,000 overall cases as of Saturday. Melbourne and many other areas of Victoria have been subject to lengthy lockdowns and overnight curfews over the past 18 months. It's been made very clear, when the premier (Daniel Andrews) announced several weeks ago that in order to participate at the Australian Open, to come into Victoria, you'll need to be fully vaccinated,? Tiley said earlier on a morning television program. Immediately we communicated that to the playing group, it is the one direction that you take that is going to ensure everyone's safety." Among the top male players, Tiley, who is the tournament director, said Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev, who beat Djokovic in the final of the U.S. Open, preventing the Serbian player from completing a calendar-year Grand Slam, plan to be in Melbourne in January. Roger Federer, who continues to recover from right knee surgery, has already said he won't be coming. He, Nadal and Djokovic are all tied with 20 singles majors each. Top-ranked Ash Barty of Australia will make another attempt to win her home major, and defending champion Naomi Osaka has also confirmed she'll play, Tiley said. He said he'd been on the phone with Serena Williams in the past few days and Williams, who has 23 Grand Slam singles titles and needs one more to tie Margaret Court's all-time record, is training and plans to play. Tiley, who said he'd also been in contact with Djokovic and his team, said it will be apparent by mid-December who will be coming. He said international players were currently going through the travel visa process with the Australian government and that entry for the Australian Open closes in December. I know that he wants to play, he's clearly indicated that and he knows the conditions that he would have to undergo in order to be eligible to play," Tiley said of Djokovic. Entry in here will be determined by around early to the middle of December on the entry deadline, So you'll know when a player's entered an event . . . So in the next couple of weeks you will have really good indication of where everyone's at because at that point there's an official list of who's going to be here. Tiley said there will be full crowds for the tournament, meaning Rod Laver Arena will return to its capacity of about 15,000, as will the other main arenas. The second week's schedule has changed for January's tournament, with both women's singles semifinals to be played Thursday evening ahead of the Saturday night final. The men's singles semifinals will be split over the afternoon and evening session on Friday, with the final on Sunday night, Jan. 30. Also, Victoria state Sports Minister Martin Pakula announced that Melbourne Park will host the Australian Open until 2044 under a new deal negotiated with Tennis Australia. There's been speculation for several years that Sydney and New South Wales state wanted to poach the tournament from Melbourne, but Saturday's announcement appears to have ended any speculation about a move northeast to Australia's largest city.

No vaccine proof, no play: Australian Open chief Craig Tiley tells Novak Dojokovic

Ahead of the Australian Open, the world number one Novak Djokovic has reiterated his stand about freedom of choice over getting the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine shot.&nbsp;

Djokovic has reused to disclose his vaccination status as speculations over his participation at the Australian Open grow. The government officials of the state of Victoria have said unvaccinated players will be barred.&nbsp;

Recently, Nick Kyrgios, who has criticised Djokovic on a number of occasions said on his 'No Boundaries' podcast this week that he did not think it was right to force anyone, let alone athletes, to get vaccinated against the virus. However, Kyrgios confirmed that he was "double-vaxxed".&nbsp;

In a recent press conference, the Serbian was asked about Kyrgios’ comments, to which Djokovic, who replied, "That was unexpected knowing what was coming from him towards me in the last couple of years."&nbsp;

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"But this time I must agree with him that the freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it's me or somebody else," the 34-year-old added.&nbsp;

"Doesn't really matter whether it's vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose, to decide what you want to do. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body."

"I have been always a proponent of that and always a supporter of freedom of choice, and I will be always supporting that because freedom is essential for I'd say a happy and prosperous life," added Djokovic.&nbsp;

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Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his group stage match against Russia’s Andrey Rublev on November 17, 2021.

Ahead of the Australian Open, the world number one Novak Djokovic has reiterated his stand about freedom of choice over getting the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine shot. Djokovic has reused to disclose his vaccination status as speculations over his participation at the Australian Open grow. The government officials of the state of Victoria have said unvaccinated players will be barred. Recently, Nick Kyrgios, who has criticised Djokovic on a number of occasions said on his 'No Boundaries' podcast this week that he did not think it was right to force anyone, let alone athletes, to get vaccinated against the virus. However, Kyrgios confirmed that he was "double-vaxxed". In a recent press conference, the Serbian was asked about Kyrgios’ comments, to which Djokovic, who replied, "That was unexpected knowing what was coming from him towards me in the last couple of years." ALSO READ | A letter from Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai claiming she is 'fine' and 'resting at home' raises concerns "But this time I must agree with him that the freedom of choice is essential for everyone, whether it's me or somebody else," the 34-year-old added. "Doesn't really matter whether it's vaccination or anything else in life. You should have the freedom to choose, to decide what you want to do. In this particular case, what you want to put in your body." "I have been always a proponent of that and always a supporter of freedom of choice, and I will be always supporting that because freedom is essential for I'd say a happy and prosperous life," added Djokovic. ALSO READ | 'I'm in shock': Naomi Osaka concerned over missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai's whereabouts

'Freedom of choice': Tennis star Novak Djokovic reiterates stand on COVID-19 vaccination

Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to miss the first Grand Slam of next year — &nbsp;the Australian Open — as his participation in the competitions until mid-2022 is highly unlikely, which makes his appearance in the Wimbledon also doubtful. The former world number one, who is recovering from multiple knee surgeries, told Swiss media that he would be "extremely surprised" if he was able to play at Wimbledon.&nbsp;

The 40-year-old said that he will be able to resume running quietly in January and resume sessions on the court with "complex support" in March or April. He further informed that he estimates his return to competition in the summer of 2022.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Federer had two knee operations in 2020 and remained out of the tour for more than a year and returned to action in March, playing only 13 matches this year.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Switzerland great withdrew from the French Open in June after winning his third-round match. Another injury forced Federer to skip the US Open as he went under the knife again and he said doctors also fixed cartilage in his knee.

Federer told that he underwent the operation so that he could ski with his children or play football or tennis in the future. To lead a normal life was his aim to get back in shape, however, he wanted to approach the rehabilitation with the "mentality and body of a top athlete".&nbsp;

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In an interview carried by several Swiss media outlets, Federer said, "I need to be very patient and give my knee the time to heal. The next few months will be crucial. Australia is not an option at all. But that's no surprise for me. Even before the operation, we knew that a break of many months would be necessary afterwards."&nbsp;

"As far as my sporting ambitions are concerned: I want to see once again what I can achieve as a tennis pro. I'm fighting for it and I'm very motivated. I feel the support of my team and my family. We all wish that I can say goodbye on my own terms and on a court. My world will not collapse if I never play in another Grand Slam final. But it is my ultimate dream to return once again. And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles. I have already experienced them," he further said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to miss the first Grand Slam of next year — the Australian Open — as his participation in the competitions until mid-2022 is highly unlikely, which makes his appearance in the Wimbledon also doubtful.

Tennis legend Roger Federer is set to miss the first Grand Slam of next year — the Australian Open — as his participation in the competitions until mid-2022 is highly unlikely, which makes his appearance in the Wimbledon also doubtful. The former world number one, who is recovering from multiple knee surgeries, told Swiss media that he would be "extremely surprised" if he was able to play at Wimbledon. The 40-year-old said that he will be able to resume running quietly in January and resume sessions on the court with "complex support" in March or April. He further informed that he estimates his return to competition in the summer of 2022. ALSO READ | Chinese star Peng Shuai's safety comes ahead of business, assures former WTA CEO Stacey Allaster Federer had two knee operations in 2020 and remained out of the tour for more than a year and returned to action in March, playing only 13 matches this year. The Switzerland great withdrew from the French Open in June after winning his third-round match. Another injury forced Federer to skip the US Open as he went under the knife again and he said doctors also fixed cartilage in his knee. Federer told that he underwent the operation so that he could ski with his children or play football or tennis in the future. To lead a normal life was his aim to get back in shape, however, he wanted to approach the rehabilitation with the "mentality and body of a top athlete". ALSO READ | International Cricket Council forms working group to determine cricket's Afghan future In an interview carried by several Swiss media outlets, Federer said, "I need to be very patient and give my knee the time to heal. The next few months will be crucial. Australia is not an option at all. But that's no surprise for me. Even before the operation, we knew that a break of many months would be necessary afterwards." "As far as my sporting ambitions are concerned: I want to see once again what I can achieve as a tennis pro. I'm fighting for it and I'm very motivated. I feel the support of my team and my family. We all wish that I can say goodbye on my own terms and on a court. My world will not collapse if I never play in another Grand Slam final. But it is my ultimate dream to return once again. And in fact, I still believe in it. I believe in these kinds of miracles. I have already experienced them," he further said.

'I'm fighting for it': Roger Federer out of Australian Open, participation in Wimbledon remains doubtful

Roger Federer is unlikely to play in next year's Australian Open but is still determined to make a return to tournament tennis at some stage, according to his coach Ivan Ljubicic.

The 20-times Grand Slam champion has been inactive since losing in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in July and undergoing another round of knee surgery.

Asked whether Federer would be back in action for the first major of the year in January, former world number three Ljubicic said the signs were not promising.

"I think there are very few chances, he is still recovering and knowing him, he wants to be sure he can play to win the tournament and be at 100%," the Croatian told Stats Perform.

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"So I think the Australian Open is not a real possibility right now. But he will go step by step because he is 40 years old now and he needs to be patient. He cannot recover as quickly as he used to."

Federer is tied with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the race to be the most successful men`s singles Grand Slam champion of all time and Australian Open organisers would have been hoping to have all three at Melbourne Park.

Nadal, who has had injury issues of his own, has said he will be there, but Djokovic has declined to confirm his presence until Tennis Australia reveals the health protocols for the tournament.

The Serbian world number one has not confirmed whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19, a pre-requisite for entering Australia under current rules.

The Australian government has said it will admit unvaccinated players as long as they are prepared to undergo 14 days of quarantine and the state of Victoria requests an exemption.

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Victoria`s Premier Dan Andrews has made it clear the state will not request exemptions for unvaccinated players. Tennis Australia has said repeatedly that negotiations with government over the issue are ongoing.

Ljubicic said he was certain that Federer was not thinking about hanging up his racket just yet.

"We have spoken and I can guarantee he wants to return to playing tennis," he added. "When he decides to stop he will retire, but I don`t think it`s going to happen all of a sudden."

Roger Federer is unlikely to play in next year's Australian Open but is still determined to make a return to tournament tennis at some stage, according to his coach Ivan Ljubicic.

Roger Federer is unlikely to play in next year's Australian Open but is still determined to make a return to tournament tennis at some stage, according to his coach Ivan Ljubicic. The 20-times Grand Slam champion has been inactive since losing in the Wimbledon quarter-finals in July and undergoing another round of knee surgery. Asked whether Federer would be back in action for the first major of the year in January, former world number three Ljubicic said the signs were not promising. "I think there are very few chances, he is still recovering and knowing him, he wants to be sure he can play to win the tournament and be at 100%," the Croatian told Stats Perform. ALSO READ: WTA calls on China to investigate Peng Shuai's sexual assault allegations against former Chinese vice premier "So I think the Australian Open is not a real possibility right now. But he will go step by step because he is 40 years old now and he needs to be patient. He cannot recover as quickly as he used to." Federer is tied with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the race to be the most successful men`s singles Grand Slam champion of all time and Australian Open organisers would have been hoping to have all three at Melbourne Park. Nadal, who has had injury issues of his own, has said he will be there, but Djokovic has declined to confirm his presence until Tennis Australia reveals the health protocols for the tournament. The Serbian world number one has not confirmed whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19, a pre-requisite for entering Australia under current rules. The Australian government has said it will admit unvaccinated players as long as they are prepared to undergo 14 days of quarantine and the state of Victoria requests an exemption. ALSO READ: ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev survives Hubert Hurkacz scare, Mateo Berrettini injured vs Alexander Zverev Victoria`s Premier Dan Andrews has made it clear the state will not request exemptions for unvaccinated players. Tennis Australia has said repeatedly that negotiations with government over the issue are ongoing. Ljubicic said he was certain that Federer was not thinking about hanging up his racket just yet. "We have spoken and I can guarantee he wants to return to playing tennis," he added. "When he decides to stop he will retire, but I don`t think it`s going to happen all of a sudden."

Roger Federer unlikely to play at 2022 Australian Open, says coach Ivan Ljubicic

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.S. media. The email, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a statement made last week by Australia`s immigration minister that players would need to be double vaccinated to get a visa to compete at the Grand Slam. A significant proportion of players on the women`s WTA and men's ATP tour remain unvaccinated, and men`s world number one Novak Djokovic has declined to disclose his vaccination status.

In the email, the WTA said it wanted to "clear up false and misleading information" about the conditions players would face at the Australian Open. The WTA said the information came from organisers Tennis Australia, who had requested players keep it confidential for "a few days" as they were still discussing the details with the government. 
Tennis Australia declined to comment on arrangements for unvaccinated players, including quarantine. "We are optimistic that we can hold the Australian Open as close to pre-pandemic conditions as possible,” the governing body said in a statement.

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All players who arrived from overseas for the 2021 edition of the Australian Open had to undergo two weeks of quarantine, although most were allowed to leave their hotels to practise. Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula said authorities were still deciding whether unvaccinated foreign players would be allowed into the country. He did not expect a decision for another couple of weeks.

“It’s not settled," he told radio station 3AW. “We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia at all and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed." Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said last week there would be no special deals for unvaccinated players to compete in the state, where vaccination is mandatory for athletes, coaches and officials in professional sport.

Pakula said TA boss Craig Tiley had told him the vaccination rate among tennis players was nearly 80%. 
He confirmed fully vaccinated players would not have to quarantine on arrival in Australia. "The one thing that we have assured them all, is that the vaccinated players will be treated the same way as any other vaccinated entrant to the country," he said. From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents and their overseas-based family members who arrive in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. The WTA email said Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 tournament, would take place at Melbourne Park as normal.

The WTA declined to comment. The Australian Open is scheduled to start on Jan. 17.

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.S. media. The email, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a statement made last week by Australia`s immigration minister that players would need to be double vaccinated to get a visa to compete at the Grand Slam. A significant proportion of players on the women`s WTA and men's ATP tour remain unvaccinated, and men`s world number one Novak Djokovic has declined to disclose his vaccination status. In the email, the WTA said it wanted to "clear up false and misleading information" about the conditions players would face at the Australian Open. The WTA said the information came from organisers Tennis Australia, who had requested players keep it confidential for "a few days" as they were still discussing the details with the government. Tennis Australia declined to comment on arrangements for unvaccinated players, including quarantine. "We are optimistic that we can hold the Australian Open as close to pre-pandemic conditions as possible,” the governing body said in a statement. ALSO READ | No special deals to allow unvaccinated players at Australian Open, says Official All players who arrived from overseas for the 2021 edition of the Australian Open had to undergo two weeks of quarantine, although most were allowed to leave their hotels to practise. Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula said authorities were still deciding whether unvaccinated foreign players would be allowed into the country. He did not expect a decision for another couple of weeks. “It’s not settled," he told radio station 3AW. “We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia at all and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed." Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said last week there would be no special deals for unvaccinated players to compete in the state, where vaccination is mandatory for athletes, coaches and officials in professional sport. Pakula said TA boss Craig Tiley had told him the vaccination rate among tennis players was nearly 80%. He confirmed fully vaccinated players would not have to quarantine on arrival in Australia. "The one thing that we have assured them all, is that the vaccinated players will be treated the same way as any other vaccinated entrant to the country," he said. From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents and their overseas-based family members who arrive in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. The WTA email said Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 tournament, would take place at Melbourne Park as normal. The WTA declined to comment. The Australian Open is scheduled to start on Jan. 17.

Unvaccinated players can compete at Australian Open after quarantine: Report

World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season.

Barty won the season-ending tournament when it was last held in Shenzhen in November 2019 but the Australian will not travel to Guadalajara to participate in this year`s event running Nov. 10-17.

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"I wanted to let everyone know that I won`t be competing in any further tournaments in 2021, including the WTA Finals in Mexico," Barty said in a statement. "It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer."

Barty returned to Australia in September after a third-round exit from the U.S. Open, effectively ending a season during which she won five titles including Wimbledon. She had previously been omitted from the Australia team that will play in next month`s Billie Jean King Cup finals in Prague.

The 25-year-old will now focus on the build-up to January`s Australian Open, where she will look to improve on her run to the quarter-finals in 2021.

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"With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January," she said. "My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open. I can`t wait to play at home again."

World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season.

World number one Ash Barty will not defend her WTA Finals title in Mexico next month after the Wimbledon champion decided to bring an early end to her 2021 season. Barty won the season-ending tournament when it was last held in Shenzhen in November 2019 but the Australian will not travel to Guadalajara to participate in this year`s event running Nov. 10-17. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: British breakthrough as Cameron Norrie wins Indian Wells title "I wanted to let everyone know that I won`t be competing in any further tournaments in 2021, including the WTA Finals in Mexico," Barty said in a statement. "It was a difficult decision but I need to prioritise my body and my recovery from our 2021 season and focus on having the strongest preseason for the Australian summer." Barty returned to Australia in September after a third-round exit from the U.S. Open, effectively ending a season during which she won five titles including Wimbledon. She had previously been omitted from the Australia team that will play in next month`s Billie Jean King Cup finals in Prague. The 25-year-old will now focus on the build-up to January`s Australian Open, where she will look to improve on her run to the quarter-finals in 2021. ALSO READ: US Open stars fall at Indian Wells, which struggles to draw a crowd "With the ongoing challenges of travelling back to Queensland and quarantine requirements, I am not willing to compromise my preparation for January," she said. "My focus is now on the Australian summer and doing everything I can to win the Australian Open. I can`t wait to play at home again."

Ashleigh Barty pulls out of WTA Finals to focus on Australian Open preparations

Novak Djokovic will not be able to enter Australia to defend his Australian Open title unless he is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the country's immigration minister said on Wednesday, putting the Serb`s Grand Slam record bid in doubt.

World number one Djokovic, who is level with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal on 20 Grand Slam titles, has declined to reveal his vaccination status, and said he is unsure if he will defend his Australian Open crown.

Clarifying Australia`s visa requirements, Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke said foreign players would need to have had two vaccination shots to play the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park in January.

"You’ll need to be double vaccinated to visit Australia. That’s a universal application, not just to tennis players. I mean that every visitor to Australia will need to be double vaccinated,” Hawke told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio.

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"I don’t have a message to Novak. I have a message to everybody that wishes to visit Australia. He’ll need to be double vaccinated."

Apart from Serbian Djokovic, who has won nine of his Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the last three in succession at Melbourne Park, the rule could exclude scores of players from the tournament.

More than a third of professional players remain unvaccinated, according to recent media reports.

Both the men`s ATP and women`s WTA tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have voiced reservations.

Russian men`s U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev and German world number four Alex Zverev have expressed scepticism, although their vaccination status remains unknown.

Greek world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas said in August he would only get vaccinated if it became mandatory, though later said he planned to have shots by the end of the year.

Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, said it was working with authorities on conditions for players, fans and tournament staff.

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"Our understanding is that the details around international visitors entering the country are yet to be decided and we hope to have more information soon," the governing body said.

Australia`s health minister Greg Hunt said the country`s rules were about protecting Australians.

"They apply to everyone without fear or favour. It doesn`t matter whether you are number one in the world or you are anything else," he told a media conference on Wednesday.

Australia has shut its international borders to non-citizens and non-permanent residents for 18 months, though there have been some high-profile exceptions.

International travel is expected to begin for Australian citizens within weeks, but non-citizens are expected to be shut out until early-2022.

Authorities in Victoria state, which hosts the Australian Open, said they would not make special deals with unvaccinated athletes to allow them to compete even if they secured visas.

Melbourne, Australia`s second largest city, has been locked down since August due to an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant but will begin to open up on Friday, when 70% of the adult population in Victoria is expected to be fully vaccinated. 
&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic will not be able to enter Australia to defend his Australian Open title unless he is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the country's immigration minister said on Wednesday, putting the Serb`s Grand Slam record bid in doubt.

Novak Djokovic will not be able to enter Australia to defend his Australian Open title unless he is fully vaccinated for COVID-19, the country's immigration minister said on Wednesday, putting the Serb`s Grand Slam record bid in doubt. World number one Djokovic, who is level with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal on 20 Grand Slam titles, has declined to reveal his vaccination status, and said he is unsure if he will defend his Australian Open crown. Clarifying Australia`s visa requirements, Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke said foreign players would need to have had two vaccination shots to play the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park in January. "You’ll need to be double vaccinated to visit Australia. That’s a universal application, not just to tennis players. I mean that every visitor to Australia will need to be double vaccinated,” Hawke told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Paula Badosa ousts Victoria Azarenka in epic final to claim Indian Wells title "I don’t have a message to Novak. I have a message to everybody that wishes to visit Australia. He’ll need to be double vaccinated." Apart from Serbian Djokovic, who has won nine of his Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the last three in succession at Melbourne Park, the rule could exclude scores of players from the tournament. More than a third of professional players remain unvaccinated, according to recent media reports. Both the men`s ATP and women`s WTA tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have voiced reservations. Russian men`s U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev and German world number four Alex Zverev have expressed scepticism, although their vaccination status remains unknown. Greek world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas said in August he would only get vaccinated if it became mandatory, though later said he planned to have shots by the end of the year. Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, said it was working with authorities on conditions for players, fans and tournament staff. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: British breakthrough as Cameron Norrie wins Indian Wells title "Our understanding is that the details around international visitors entering the country are yet to be decided and we hope to have more information soon," the governing body said. Australia`s health minister Greg Hunt said the country`s rules were about protecting Australians. "They apply to everyone without fear or favour. It doesn`t matter whether you are number one in the world or you are anything else," he told a media conference on Wednesday. Australia has shut its international borders to non-citizens and non-permanent residents for 18 months, though there have been some high-profile exceptions. International travel is expected to begin for Australian citizens within weeks, but non-citizens are expected to be shut out until early-2022. Authorities in Victoria state, which hosts the Australian Open, said they would not make special deals with unvaccinated athletes to allow them to compete even if they secured visas. Melbourne, Australia`s second largest city, has been locked down since August due to an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant but will begin to open up on Friday, when 70% of the adult population in Victoria is expected to be fully vaccinated.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic will need to be vaccinated to play, says Aussie immigration minister

Australia`s Victoria state will not do special deals with unvaccinated athletes to allow them to compete at major events, an official said on Tuesday, putting Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open title defence and bid for the Grand Slam record in doubt.

World number one Djokovic, level on 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, declined to reveal his vaccination status again this week and said he was unsure if he would defend his Australian Open crown as authorities work out COVID-19 restrictions for the tournament.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said he opposed special arrangements to let unvaccinated athletes compete in the state, which is scheduled to host the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park in January.

"On the question of vaccination, no," he told a media briefing.

"(The virus) doesn`t care what your tennis ranking is, or how many Grand Slams you`ve won. It`s completely irrelevant. You need to be vaccinated to keep yourself safe and to keep others safe."

Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, declined to comment. Victoria, which is due to exit a near three-month lockdown this week, recently included professional athletes in a vaccine mandate covering millions of "authorised workers", without clarifying whether it applied to athletes from overseas or other Australian states.

Andrews suggested the mandate covered international athletes, too. "Professional sport is part of those (items on the) authorised worker list and they have to be double-dose vaccinated," he said.

Andrews said Victoria`s stance could be a "moot point", given the federal government might not issue visas to unvaccinated athletes.

"I don`t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa to come into this country and if they did get a visa they`d probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks," he added.

"I don`t think that the person you indicated (Djokovic) or any other tennis player, let`s not personalise it ... or golfer or Formula One driver will even get a visa to get here.

"If I`m wrong I`m sure the federal government will let you know."

The federal government`s home affairs department was not able to provide immediate comment. Australia`s borders have been shut to non-residents through the pandemic, although authorities have issued visas to athletes and sports staff for major events, including the last Australian Open in February.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government would relax border controls for residents and their overseas-based family members from next month but international tourists and other visa classes would have to wait longer. 
Melbourne, Australia`s second-largest city, has been locked down since August as authorities scrambled to contain an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Restrictions for the city`s 5 million people will be eased from Friday when 70% of the adult population in Victoria is expected to be fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated people, however, will remain barred from sports events along with restaurants, pubs and other parts of the economy. Andrews said the ban on unvaccinated fans may apply right through to the 2022 Formula One Australian Grand Prix in April.

"This is here for a while .... We`re not going to be essentially encouraging people to not get vaccinated because they reckon they can wait a few months or a few weeks," he said.

"You can`t wait out coronavirus."

Australia`s Victoria state will not do special deals with unvaccinated athletes to allow them to compete at major events, an official said on Tuesday, putting Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open title defence and bid for the Grand Slam record in doubt.

Australia`s Victoria state will not do special deals with unvaccinated athletes to allow them to compete at major events, an official said on Tuesday, putting Novak Djokovic`s Australian Open title defence and bid for the Grand Slam record in doubt. World number one Djokovic, level on 20 Grand Slam titles with Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal, declined to reveal his vaccination status again this week and said he was unsure if he would defend his Australian Open crown as authorities work out COVID-19 restrictions for the tournament. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said he opposed special arrangements to let unvaccinated athletes compete in the state, which is scheduled to host the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park in January. "On the question of vaccination, no," he told a media briefing. "(The virus) doesn`t care what your tennis ranking is, or how many Grand Slams you`ve won. It`s completely irrelevant. You need to be vaccinated to keep yourself safe and to keep others safe." Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, declined to comment. Victoria, which is due to exit a near three-month lockdown this week, recently included professional athletes in a vaccine mandate covering millions of "authorised workers", without clarifying whether it applied to athletes from overseas or other Australian states. Andrews suggested the mandate covered international athletes, too. "Professional sport is part of those (items on the) authorised worker list and they have to be double-dose vaccinated," he said. Andrews said Victoria`s stance could be a "moot point", given the federal government might not issue visas to unvaccinated athletes. "I don`t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa to come into this country and if they did get a visa they`d probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks," he added. "I don`t think that the person you indicated (Djokovic) or any other tennis player, let`s not personalise it ... or golfer or Formula One driver will even get a visa to get here. "If I`m wrong I`m sure the federal government will let you know." The federal government`s home affairs department was not able to provide immediate comment. Australia`s borders have been shut to non-residents through the pandemic, although authorities have issued visas to athletes and sports staff for major events, including the last Australian Open in February. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government would relax border controls for residents and their overseas-based family members from next month but international tourists and other visa classes would have to wait longer. Melbourne, Australia`s second-largest city, has been locked down since August as authorities scrambled to contain an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant. Restrictions for the city`s 5 million people will be eased from Friday when 70% of the adult population in Victoria is expected to be fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated people, however, will remain barred from sports events along with restaurants, pubs and other parts of the economy. Andrews said the ban on unvaccinated fans may apply right through to the 2022 Formula One Australian Grand Prix in April. "This is here for a while .... We`re not going to be essentially encouraging people to not get vaccinated because they reckon they can wait a few months or a few weeks," he said. "You can`t wait out coronavirus."

No special deals to allow unvaccinated players at Australian Open, says Official

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula said on Tuesday that players planning to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year should get vaccinated to give themselves the best chance of competing in Melbourne.

Tennis Australia has declined to comment on arrangements for players based on their vaccination status.

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However, vaccinated players are expected to given more freedom to move around and may also be able to skip the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

"My understanding is if you're unvaccinated you're still allowed to play, it's just the rules are going to be different," Murray told a news conference after Tuesday`s third-round Indian Wells defeat by Alexander Zverev.

"You might just have to leave (for Australia) a few weeks earlier than everyone else. That`s the player`s choice. If the local government puts that in place then I would support that.

"It would be great if more players got vaccinated.

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"Australia in particular has been very, very strict over there. The public there have had to endure a painful 18 months or whatever.

"If people are going to come into the country and potentially risk an outbreak in their community, yeah, that`s understandable."

World number four Zverev, who in April said he had not been vaccinated, did not want to be stuck in the middle of the debate.

"I fully respect the decisions of players that are not vaccinated. I also do respect the decision that the Australian government is giving," he said.

"I don't want to be in the middle of something which I kind of am not involved in because I don`t have that issue of the two-week quarantine, all that. I don't want to go against anybody here."

The Australian Open is due to start on Jan. 17.

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Andy Murray expects unvaccinated players to compete at the Australian Open but says he would support moves by local authorities to impose stricter conditions on them at Melbourne Park than those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula said on Tuesday that players planning to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year should get vaccinated to give themselves the best chance of competing in Melbourne. Tennis Australia has declined to comment on arrangements for players based on their vaccination status. ALSO READ: Daniil Medvedev overcomes Filip Krajinovic to set up Dimitrov clash at Indian Wells However, vaccinated players are expected to given more freedom to move around and may also be able to skip the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. "My understanding is if you're unvaccinated you're still allowed to play, it's just the rules are going to be different," Murray told a news conference after Tuesday`s third-round Indian Wells defeat by Alexander Zverev. "You might just have to leave (for Australia) a few weeks earlier than everyone else. That`s the player`s choice. If the local government puts that in place then I would support that. "It would be great if more players got vaccinated. ALSO READ: Lost and found: Andy Murray's wedding ring remains in headline as he reaches second round at Indian Wells "Australia in particular has been very, very strict over there. The public there have had to endure a painful 18 months or whatever. "If people are going to come into the country and potentially risk an outbreak in their community, yeah, that`s understandable." World number four Zverev, who in April said he had not been vaccinated, did not want to be stuck in the middle of the debate. "I fully respect the decisions of players that are not vaccinated. I also do respect the decision that the Australian government is giving," he said. "I don't want to be in the middle of something which I kind of am not involved in because I don`t have that issue of the two-week quarantine, all that. I don't want to go against anybody here." The Australian Open is due to start on Jan. 17.

Andy Murray says will support restrictions on unvaccinated players at Australian Open

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said.

Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has introduced a vaccine mandate for all professional athletes but authorities have yet to clarify whether athletes from overseas or other Australian states must also vaccinate. 
Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula urged players to leave no room for doubt.

"If I was an ATP or WTA player, I`d be getting vaccinated," Pakula told local radio station SEN.

"That will give them the best opportunity to play in the Australian Open with the more minimal restrictions that might be in place for those people."

Both the women`s WTA and men`s ATP tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have expressed reservations, including Australian Open men`s champion Novak Djokovic, who is opposed to vaccine mandates.

Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, has not disclosed any arrangements for players for the upcoming tournament in January.

But fully vaccinated players are expected to enjoy more freedoms to move around and may be able to avoid the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Australia`s borders remain effectively shut to non-residents, and Pakula said he did not know whether unvaccinated people would be allowed to enter the country by the time of the Australian Open which starts Jan. 17.

"That`s going to be the subject, I suspect, of discussion at national cabinet and amongst the federal cabinet," he said.

"As for the rules that might apply around the Australian Open, specifically, we`re in discussions with Tennis Australia and the department of health about that."

Melbourne has been locked down for months as authorities battle to control an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant while rolling out vaccinations.

Victoria will lift some lockdown restrictions when 70% of adults are fully vaccinated, which should be late October according to official projections.

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said.

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said. Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has introduced a vaccine mandate for all professional athletes but authorities have yet to clarify whether athletes from overseas or other Australian states must also vaccinate. Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula urged players to leave no room for doubt. "If I was an ATP or WTA player, I`d be getting vaccinated," Pakula told local radio station SEN. "That will give them the best opportunity to play in the Australian Open with the more minimal restrictions that might be in place for those people." Both the women`s WTA and men`s ATP tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have expressed reservations, including Australian Open men`s champion Novak Djokovic, who is opposed to vaccine mandates. Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, has not disclosed any arrangements for players for the upcoming tournament in January. But fully vaccinated players are expected to enjoy more freedoms to move around and may be able to avoid the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Australia`s borders remain effectively shut to non-residents, and Pakula said he did not know whether unvaccinated people would be allowed to enter the country by the time of the Australian Open which starts Jan. 17. "That`s going to be the subject, I suspect, of discussion at national cabinet and amongst the federal cabinet," he said. "As for the rules that might apply around the Australian Open, specifically, we`re in discussions with Tennis Australia and the department of health about that." Melbourne has been locked down for months as authorities battle to control an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant while rolling out vaccinations. Victoria will lift some lockdown restrictions when 70% of adults are fully vaccinated, which should be late October according to official projections.

Get vaccinated if you want to play Australian Open, minister tells players

Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi: Top five moments together

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray admits there are question marks about whether his body will hold up as he prepares to return to competitive action at Queen's Club.

Murray has struggled to return to his former level since having hip resurfacing surgery in January 2019 with niggling injuries limiting his tournament time.

He missed this year's Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19 and has not played a match since March but is back for the grasscourt swing leading into Wimbledon.

"I feel okay. I don't feel perfect, but I have been practicing well over the last month or so, pretty consistently," the 34-year-old Scot told reporters on Monday.

"I have been training at Wimbledon, and we came out here the last few days and had a couple of good practices.

"The question mark is obviously whether the body holds up and I can't say with any great certainty right now whether that's going to happen or not."

Murray will face Benoit Paire in his first match at Queen's on Tuesday and while he has won the title five times at the traditional pre-Wimbledon event, he is not setting high expectations, rather just hoping to be able to compete.

"If my goal is to get to number one in the world or to win majors if that's the only reason why I would continue playing

tennis, which it isn't, I would have stopped three, four years ago," Murray said.

"The reason why I'm still playing is that I love playing&nbsp;tennis. I want to keep trying and still have the desire to go out there and compete and to train every day to try and improve and give myself a chance to keep going.

"Create more memories on the court and get more wins."

Asked what his expectations for Wimbledon are, the former world number one said the priority is that he stays healthy.

"Judging by what you can see on social media, a lot of people don't think that I can play and compete at this level anymore," he said. "I don't know what the expectations should be.

"I don't want to promise anything in terms of that respect, because I don't even know myself exactly. Let's wait and see what happens, but my goal and priority is to be healthy."

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray admits there are question marks about whether his body will hold up as he prepares to return to competitive action at Queen's Club.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray admits there are question marks about whether his body will hold up as he prepares to return to competitive action at Queen's Club. Murray has struggled to return to his former level since having hip resurfacing surgery in January 2019 with niggling injuries limiting his tournament time. He missed this year's Australian Open after testing positive for COVID-19 and has not played a match since March but is back for the grasscourt swing leading into Wimbledon. "I feel okay. I don't feel perfect, but I have been practicing well over the last month or so, pretty consistently," the 34-year-old Scot told reporters on Monday. "I have been training at Wimbledon, and we came out here the last few days and had a couple of good practices. "The question mark is obviously whether the body holds up and I can't say with any great certainty right now whether that's going to happen or not." Murray will face Benoit Paire in his first match at Queen's on Tuesday and while he has won the title five times at the traditional pre-Wimbledon event, he is not setting high expectations, rather just hoping to be able to compete. "If my goal is to get to number one in the world or to win majors if that's the only reason why I would continue playing tennis, which it isn't, I would have stopped three, four years ago," Murray said. "The reason why I'm still playing is that I love playing tennis. I want to keep trying and still have the desire to go out there and compete and to train every day to try and improve and give myself a chance to keep going. "Create more memories on the court and get more wins." Asked what his expectations for Wimbledon are, the former world number one said the priority is that he stays healthy. "Judging by what you can see on social media, a lot of people don't think that I can play and compete at this level anymore," he said. "I don't know what the expectations should be. "I don't want to promise anything in terms of that respect, because I don't even know myself exactly. Let's wait and see what happens, but my goal and priority is to be healthy."

Tennis: Andy Murray says question marks remain over fitness ahead of return

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time".

Federer initially eyed a return at this year's Australian Open a year after exiting the 2020 Grand Slam at the semi-final stage, but slow progress in his recovery delayed his comeback.

He played his first match back at the Qatar Open but said he was targeting full fitness for the grasscourt season and wants to reach his peak by Wimbledon, where he has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles.

"I probably would have taken the place I am today," the 39-year-old, who pulled out from the French Open last week to protect his body after a grueling third-round win, told reporters on Friday.

"March was still very early days for my comeback but I just felt like it was a good time to come back. I thought that Doha actually went extremely well overall because I know my expectations were close to zero over there. So I'm happy I was able to play two competitive matches over there.

"Ever since I've only seen improvement, no setbacks. After I guess the two operations I have to be extremely careful with every move I do. But now it's really gone time. This is essentially where the season really hopefully starts for me."

Since pulling out of Roland Garros, Federer had his first hit on Thursday at the ATP 500 event at the German city of Halle, where he has won 10 titles.

The Swiss said he had low-intensity practice for 30 minutes but felt his body had recovered from the rigors of the claycourt Grand Slam in Paris.

"The knee just needs always extra care, and I hope it's also going to react well to the grass," he said, adding that he feels "all my strengths get amplified" when he plays on grass.

"I'm going to probably push a little bit more in practice this afternoon or maybe tomorrow, just to get the body ready for the grass courts, and I hope I have no negative reactions.

"I'm pretty positive about my chances... I'm confident that somehow I'll be fine in the coming days. But of course, I want to stay injury-free. That's the most important (thing) right now."

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time".

Roger Federer says he has seen "improvement and no setbacks" since returning to the Tour in March after over a year out due to two knee operations and with his grasscourt season kicking off in Halle next week, it's "go time". Federer initially eyed a return at this year's Australian Open a year after exiting the 2020 Grand Slam at the semi-final stage, but slow progress in his recovery delayed his comeback. He played his first match back at the Qatar Open but said he was targeting full fitness for the grasscourt season and wants to reach his peak by Wimbledon, where he has won eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles. "I probably would have taken the place I am today," the 39-year-old, who pulled out from the French Open last week to protect his body after a grueling third-round win, told reporters on Friday. "March was still very early days for my comeback but I just felt like it was a good time to come back. I thought that Doha actually went extremely well overall because I know my expectations were close to zero over there. So I'm happy I was able to play two competitive matches over there. "Ever since I've only seen improvement, no setbacks. After I guess the two operations I have to be extremely careful with every move I do. But now it's really gone time. This is essentially where the season really hopefully starts for me." Since pulling out of Roland Garros, Federer had his first hit on Thursday at the ATP 500 event at the German city of Halle, where he has won 10 titles. The Swiss said he had low-intensity practice for 30 minutes but felt his body had recovered from the rigors of the claycourt Grand Slam in Paris. "The knee just needs always extra care, and I hope it's also going to react well to the grass," he said, adding that he feels "all my strengths get amplified" when he plays on grass. "I'm going to probably push a little bit more in practice this afternoon or maybe tomorrow, just to get the body ready for the grass courts, and I hope I have no negative reactions. "I'm pretty positive about my chances... I'm confident that somehow I'll be fine in the coming days. But of course, I want to stay injury-free. That's the most important (thing) right now."

Tennis: It's 'go time' for Federer, 39, with favoured grasscourt season about to begin

French Open champion Iga Swiatek said securing a spot in the top 10 of the world rankings was evidence her game had become more consistent after the Pole struggled with some 'frustrating'&nbsp;results following her maiden Grand Slam triumph last year.

Swiatek, who turns 20 at the end of the month, demolished former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-0 on Sunday in Rome to win her first WTA 1000 title and climbed six spots to number nine in the world on Monday.

"It is pretty crazy and I'm really proud of myself that I'm actually starting to be more consistent because that was my goal from the beginning," Swiatek told reporters.

"Actually, I feel right now that I am doing huge progress in that matter."

Swiatek went from being a largely unknown teenager to acquiring celebrity status in October when she became Poland's first Grand Slam singles champion and the youngest woman to win the title since Monica Seles in 1992.

Following her, Roland Garros win she skipped the rest of the 2020 season, and the Adelaide International had been her only title this year before Sunday.

She lost in the fourth round of 2021 Australian Open and also made early exits at the WTA 1000 events in Miami and Madrid.

"It was actually a bit frustrating after French Open because sometimes you can't see the result of your work," said Swiatek, who last week called herself a "perfectionist".

"Obviously winning a Grand Slam is great, but after that comes rankings, and this year it was different.

"So I'm really proud that I'm going to have in my resume that I'm top 10 because I always wanted that. I also want to be consistent. So right now our goal is to keep me in that place and go further."

French Open champion Iga Swiatek said securing a spot in the top 10 of the world rankings was evidence her game had become more consistent after the Pole struggled with some 'frustrating' results following her maiden Grand Slam triumph last year.

French Open champion Iga Swiatek said securing a spot in the top 10 of the world rankings was evidence her game had become more consistent after the Pole struggled with some 'frustrating' results following her maiden Grand Slam triumph last year. Swiatek, who turns 20 at the end of the month, demolished former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-0 6-0 on Sunday in Rome to win her first WTA 1000 title and climbed six spots to number nine in the world on Monday. "It is pretty crazy and I'm really proud of myself that I'm actually starting to be more consistent because that was my goal from the beginning," Swiatek told reporters. "Actually, I feel right now that I am doing huge progress in that matter." Swiatek went from being a largely unknown teenager to acquiring celebrity status in October when she became Poland's first Grand Slam singles champion and the youngest woman to win the title since Monica Seles in 1992. Following her, Roland Garros win she skipped the rest of the 2020 season, and the Adelaide International had been her only title this year before Sunday. She lost in the fourth round of 2021 Australian Open and also made early exits at the WTA 1000 events in Miami and Madrid. "It was actually a bit frustrating after French Open because sometimes you can't see the result of your work," said Swiatek, who last week called herself a "perfectionist". "Obviously winning a Grand Slam is great, but after that comes rankings, and this year it was different. "So I'm really proud that I'm going to have in my resume that I'm top 10 because I always wanted that. I also want to be consistent. So right now our goal is to keep me in that place and go further."

Tennis: Iga Swiatek adds top-10 ranking to her resume

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9&nbsp;that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the&nbsp;Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the coronavirus, and Tokyo itself is currently under a state of emergency to tame a rise in infections.

Naomi Osaka, the world number two women's tennis player and one of Japan's top athletes, said staging the Games should remain a topic of discussion as long as the subject was "making people very uncomfortable".

"Of course I want the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to happen, but I think there's so much important stuff going on, especially the past year," she told a news conference ahead of the Italian Open in Rome. "A lot of unexpected things have happened.

"For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk... then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now. At the end of the day, I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on, so, yeah."

Japan has recorded more than 600,000 coronavirus cases and more than 10,500 deaths, but its inoculation campaign has been relatively slow so far, with only about 2% of the population of about 126 million have received at least one vaccine dose.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised on Friday, May 7 to fast-track the government's vaccination drive, saying it aimed to administer 1 million shots a day.

Osaka, who at the age of 23 has won both the U.S. Open and Australian Open twice, said she had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, and added that it would not be right to "force" people to get inoculated.

"There is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that," she said.

"I've gotten vaccinated (but) I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated."

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9 that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed.

Japan's Naomi Osaka said on Sunday, May 9 that while she has spent her entire life waiting to compete at the Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic should continue to be carefully discussed. Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the coronavirus, and Tokyo itself is currently under a state of emergency to tame a rise in infections. Naomi Osaka, the world number two women's tennis player and one of Japan's top athletes, said staging the Games should remain a topic of discussion as long as the subject was "making people very uncomfortable". "Of course I want the Olympics to happen, but I think there's so much important stuff going on, especially the past year," she told a news conference ahead of the Italian Open in Rome. "A lot of unexpected things have happened. "For me, I feel like if it's putting people at risk... then it definitely should be a discussion, which I think it is as of right now. At the end of the day, I'm just an athlete, and there is a whole pandemic going on, so, yeah." Japan has recorded more than 600,000 coronavirus cases and more than 10,500 deaths, but its inoculation campaign has been relatively slow so far, with only about 2% of the population of about 126 million have received at least one vaccine dose. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga promised on Friday, May 7 to fast-track the government's vaccination drive, saying it aimed to administer 1 million shots a day. Osaka, who at the age of 23 has won both the U.S. Open and Australian Open twice, said she had already been vaccinated against COVID-19, and added that it would not be right to "force" people to get inoculated. "There is going to be a lot of people entering the country so they definitely have to make the right decisions on that," she said. "I've gotten vaccinated (but) I think that at the end of the day you can't force anyone to be vaccinated."

Staging of the Olympics 'should definitely be a discussion', says Naomi Osaka

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public.

Despite the challenges, the world number one snuffed out the threat from in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to reinforce his status as the king of Melbourne Park and collect his 18th Grand Slam crown.

But there were numerous hurdles to jump, not least having to quarantine for 14 days and the negative reaction to a letter he wrote to Tennis Australia pre-tournament which was interpreted as a "petulant and selfish" list of demands.

"I think emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I've ever had, to be honest," the Serbian top seed told Australia's Channel Nine on Sunday.

"We had quarantine and a lot of things happening in the media, then the letter that I wrote as ideas and recommendations that I got for players was misinterpreted as a list of demands. Then the next thing I was persona non grata here in this country.

"So it was tough dealing with all of this and then getting injured in the third round," he added of the abdominal tear that almost forced him to pull out.

"It was a rollercoaster ride... I think it makes it even sweeter for me and a lot of positives from this tournament without a doubt."

His coach Goran Ivanisevic said the criticisms Djokovic had to deal were unfair.

"Actually he needed this victory so badly. There is somebody upstairs who see all this unfairness with a lot of media and people they doing to him," he said.

"He tried to help the players," he added of the contentious letter. "Again, it's only him. It's his fault, like everybody else attacking him. Nobody else to attack, so let's attack Novak."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Great ability to heal' -</h2>

Djokovic sustained his injury during his third-round clash against Taylor Fritz.

After refusing to reveal the nature of the injury during the tournament, he said on Sunday it was an abdominal muscle tear.

"It's a muscle tear... I went for an MRI and it showed a tear," he said. "I understand people question whether there was a tear -- but there is. For me it was obviously a huge obstacle and challenge.

"I guess we're all different. I have maybe a great ability to heal. I don't know. I just manage somehow with pills and painkillers and stuff."

The nine-time Australian Open champion revealed he spent 10 out of 14 waking hours on the physio's table at one stage for treatment.

"It's not healed up. I'm going to go for another MRI tomorrow before I travel. I'm definitely going to take some time off. I don't know how long it's going to take," he said.

"But you know my whole energy and focus was here in Australia. If there was a tournament where I want to risk any more damage, and try my hardest to battle, it's here, it's a Grand Slam."

Djokovic's win over Medvedev strengthened his hold on world number one, where he will mark his 311th week when the new rankings come out on Monday, surpassing Federer's record of 310.

"I managed to achieve this historic number one. It seems unreal but of course I am very, very happy and proud of that," he said, adding that he has not committed to any tournaments so far after Australia.

"My focus now is the Slams, that's where I want to shine. I know age is just a number but we have to also see things realistically, I am not 22 any more.

"So I'm going to have to deal with the schedule and the calendar in a different way so I peak at the right time at the Slams."

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public.

Novak Djokovic said his ninth Australian Open title came after one of the toughest tournaments of his career, with a muscle-tear injury that is still "not healed" and attacks from the media and public. Despite the challenges, the world number one snuffed out the threat from in-form Russian Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to reinforce his status as the king of Melbourne Park and collect his 18th Grand Slam crown. But there were numerous hurdles to jump, not least having to quarantine for 14 days and the negative reaction to a letter he wrote to Tennis Australia pre-tournament which was interpreted as a "petulant and selfish" list of demands. "I think emotionally it was one of the hardest tournaments that I've ever had, to be honest," the Serbian top seed told Australia's Channel Nine on Sunday. "We had quarantine and a lot of things happening in the media, then the letter that I wrote as ideas and recommendations that I got for players was misinterpreted as a list of demands. Then the next thing I was persona non grata here in this country. "So it was tough dealing with all of this and then getting injured in the third round," he added of the abdominal tear that almost forced him to pull out. "It was a rollercoaster ride... I think it makes it even sweeter for me and a lot of positives from this tournament without a doubt." His coach Goran Ivanisevic said the criticisms Djokovic had to deal were unfair. "Actually he needed this victory so badly. There is somebody upstairs who see all this unfairness with a lot of media and people they doing to him," he said. "He tried to help the players," he added of the contentious letter. "Again, it's only him. It's his fault, like everybody else attacking him. Nobody else to attack, so let's attack Novak." - 'Great ability to heal' - Djokovic sustained his injury during his third-round clash against Taylor Fritz. After refusing to reveal the nature of the injury during the tournament, he said on Sunday it was an abdominal muscle tear. "It's a muscle tear... I went for an MRI and it showed a tear," he said. "I understand people question whether there was a tear -- but there is. For me it was obviously a huge obstacle and challenge. "I guess we're all different. I have maybe a great ability to heal. I don't know. I just manage somehow with pills and painkillers and stuff." The nine-time Australian Open champion revealed he spent 10 out of 14 waking hours on the physio's table at one stage for treatment. "It's not healed up. I'm going to go for another MRI tomorrow before I travel. I'm definitely going to take some time off. I don't know how long it's going to take," he said. "But you know my whole energy and focus was here in Australia. If there was a tournament where I want to risk any more damage, and try my hardest to battle, it's here, it's a Grand Slam." Djokovic's win over Medvedev strengthened his hold on world number one, where he will mark his 311th week when the new rankings come out on Monday, surpassing Federer's record of 310. "I managed to achieve this historic number one. It seems unreal but of course I am very, very happy and proud of that," he said, adding that he has not committed to any tournaments so far after Australia. "My focus now is the Slams, that's where I want to shine. I know age is just a number but we have to also see things realistically, I am not 22 any more. "So I'm going to have to deal with the schedule and the calendar in a different way so I peak at the right time at the Slams."

Djokovic says 'rollercoaster' Australian Open one of toughest tournaments

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Here, AFP Sport recalls&nbsp;Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park:&nbsp;

<h2>- First Serb: 2008 -&nbsp;</h2>

Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches.

In the final he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2).

"Every player dreams of winning a Grand Slam. I am still not fully aware of what I have achieved these past two weeks," he said.

<h2>- Three-year wait ends: 2011 -</h2>

It was three long years before&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;secured a second major triumph, and he put his success down to a&nbsp;gluten-free diet.

It heralded a golden year where he won three of the four Grand Slam titles.

He lost only one set the entire fortnight including defeating defending champion Federer again in the semi-finals, before overpowering Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the championship decider.

Djokovic&nbsp;said he decided to change his back room team and behaviour, as well as his diet, after a disappointing 2010.&nbsp;

"Things off court were not working for me, you know.&nbsp;

"I had to try to find the best possible solution and try to get back on the right track. That's what I did."

<h2>- The longest final: 2012 -</h2>

Djokovic's first successful Grand Slam title defence involved feats of endurance rarely witnessed before on a tennis court.

After a five-set battle against Murray in the semi-final, he then had to fight for almost six hours in a war of attrition against Rafael Nadal to win the title.

It was the longest Grand Slam singles final in the Open era and ended at 1:37 am on Monday after the pair walked on court at 7:30 pm Sunday.

Djokovic&nbsp;ripped off his shirt and roared in celebration at the end of the epic match which he won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in 5hr 53min.

"Physically it was the toughest match I ever played," said an exhausted Nadal, after addressing the crowd with: "Good morning!"&nbsp;

<h2>- Title hat-trick: 2013 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;became the first man in the Open era to win three Australian titles in a row after overpowering Murray 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-2.

The Serb was also stretched all the way by Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round before prevailing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10.&nbsp;

"It's definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court," said&nbsp;Djokovic.

<h2>- Revenge over Wawrinka: 2015 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;was upset in the 2014 quarter-finals by Wawrinka, the eventual champion, but was back to his punishing best a year later.

After exacting revenge on the Swiss in the semi-final he again rolled over Murray for the title, inflicting a humiliating 6-0 bagel on the Scot in the final set to tie Andre Agassi on the all-time list with eight Grand Slam titles.

His 7-6 (7/5), 6-7(4/7), 6-3, 6-0 victory was his first as a father after wife Jelena had given birth to Stefan three months earlier.

"I think it has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband," said&nbsp;Djokovic.

<h2>- 'Djokovic&nbsp;Slam': 2016 -</h2>

The records kept tumbling as he clinched a sixth Melbourne crown to equal Roy Emerson's pre-Open era record and win a third consecutive major title after Wimbledon and the US Open in 2015.

He would go on to complete the "Djokovic&nbsp;Slam" at the French Open to hold all four majors at the same time.

He defeated Murray for a fourth time in the championship match 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3).

"It's an incredible feeling, especially because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson's record of six Australian Opens," he said after winning his 11th Grand Slam crown to match Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list.&nbsp;

<h2>- Sampras eclipsed: 2019 -</h2>

After two years battling injury, including undergoing elbow surgery, he swatted aside the challenge of old rival Nadal in the final 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to claim a record seventh Australian Open and 15th Grand Slam title to go ahead of his childhood idol, American great Pete Sampras.

"It was definitely a sign of destiny to start playing tennis, to aspire to be as good as Pete,"&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;said. "To surpass him with Grand Slam titles, I'm speechless."

<h2>- Great eight: 2020 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;captured his eighth title and earned his 900th tour-level match win on the way.&nbsp;

Federer was dispatched in straight sets in the semi-final but 26-year-old Dominic Thiem gave&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;his hardest final battle since the Nadal epic in 2012.

Djokovic&nbsp;eventually fought back from two sets to one down to secure his 17th major 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

"Obviously at this stage of my career, Grand Slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritise," he said.&nbsp;

<h2>- Stomach for the fight: 2021 -</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;looked on his way out when he could barely run because of an abdominal injury in the third round against Taylor Fritz, but somehow survived in five sets.

He was unable to train between matches, but grew fitter and stronger with every passing round.

As his injury healed he recorded four-set wins against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev before racing past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final.

Another Russian awaited in the championship decider, but world number four Daniil Medvedev went the way of the Serb's eight previous final opponents as it took a rampant&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;just 1hr 53 min to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and extend his perfect record in finals at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday. Here, AFP Sport recalls Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park: - First Serb: 2008 - Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches.

Novak Djokovic extended his own record Australian Open wins to nine with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday. Here, AFP Sport recalls Djokovic's incredible run of success and the records he has set on the way to becoming the undoubted king of Melbourne Park: - First Serb: 2008 - Becomes first Serb to win a Grand Slam at the age of 20 in Melbourne, after bursting into the big time with an emphatic straight-sets victory in the semi-finals over world number one Roger Federer, who had been unbeaten at the tournament for 16 matches. In the final he beat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/2). "Every player dreams of winning a Grand Slam. I am still not fully aware of what I have achieved these past two weeks," he said. - Three-year wait ends: 2011 - It was three long years before Djokovic secured a second major triumph, and he put his success down to a gluten-free diet. It heralded a golden year where he won three of the four Grand Slam titles. He lost only one set the entire fortnight including defeating defending champion Federer again in the semi-finals, before overpowering Andy Murray 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 in the championship decider. Djokovic said he decided to change his back room team and behaviour, as well as his diet, after a disappointing 2010. "Things off court were not working for me, you know. "I had to try to find the best possible solution and try to get back on the right track. That's what I did." - The longest final: 2012 - Djokovic's first successful Grand Slam title defence involved feats of endurance rarely witnessed before on a tennis court. After a five-set battle against Murray in the semi-final, he then had to fight for almost six hours in a war of attrition against Rafael Nadal to win the title. It was the longest Grand Slam singles final in the Open era and ended at 1:37 am on Monday after the pair walked on court at 7:30 pm Sunday. Djokovic ripped off his shirt and roared in celebration at the end of the epic match which he won 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 in 5hr 53min. "Physically it was the toughest match I ever played," said an exhausted Nadal, after addressing the crowd with: "Good morning!" - Title hat-trick: 2013 - Djokovic became the first man in the Open era to win three Australian titles in a row after overpowering Murray 6-7 (2/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 6-2. The Serb was also stretched all the way by Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round before prevailing 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(5), 12-10. "It's definitely my favourite Grand Slam, my most successful Grand Slam. I love this court," said Djokovic. - Revenge over Wawrinka: 2015 - Djokovic was upset in the 2014 quarter-finals by Wawrinka, the eventual champion, but was back to his punishing best a year later. After exacting revenge on the Swiss in the semi-final he again rolled over Murray for the title, inflicting a humiliating 6-0 bagel on the Scot in the final set to tie Andre Agassi on the all-time list with eight Grand Slam titles. His 7-6 (7/5), 6-7(4/7), 6-3, 6-0 victory was his first as a father after wife Jelena had given birth to Stefan three months earlier. "I think it has deeper meaning, more intrinsic value now to my life because I'm a father and a husband," said Djokovic. - 'Djokovic Slam': 2016 - The records kept tumbling as he clinched a sixth Melbourne crown to equal Roy Emerson's pre-Open era record and win a third consecutive major title after Wimbledon and the US Open in 2015. He would go on to complete the "Djokovic Slam" at the French Open to hold all four majors at the same time. He defeated Murray for a fourth time in the championship match 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). "It's an incredible feeling, especially because of the fact that I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson's record of six Australian Opens," he said after winning his 11th Grand Slam crown to match Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on the all-time list. - Sampras eclipsed: 2019 - After two years battling injury, including undergoing elbow surgery, he swatted aside the challenge of old rival Nadal in the final 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to claim a record seventh Australian Open and 15th Grand Slam title to go ahead of his childhood idol, American great Pete Sampras. "It was definitely a sign of destiny to start playing tennis, to aspire to be as good as Pete," Djokovic said. "To surpass him with Grand Slam titles, I'm speechless." - Great eight: 2020 - Djokovic captured his eighth title and earned his 900th tour-level match win on the way. Federer was dispatched in straight sets in the semi-final but 26-year-old Dominic Thiem gave Djokovic his hardest final battle since the Nadal epic in 2012. Djokovic eventually fought back from two sets to one down to secure his 17th major 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. "Obviously at this stage of my career, Grand Slams are the ones I value the most. They are the ones I prioritise," he said. - Stomach for the fight: 2021 - Djokovic looked on his way out when he could barely run because of an abdominal injury in the third round against Taylor Fritz, but somehow survived in five sets. He was unable to train between matches, but grew fitter and stronger with every passing round. As his injury healed he recorded four-set wins against Milos Raonic and Alexander Zverev before racing past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final. Another Russian awaited in the championship decider, but world number four Daniil Medvedev went the way of the Serb's eight previous final opponents as it took a rampant Djokovic just 1hr 53 min to win 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 and extend his perfect record in finals at Melbourne Park.

On cloud nine: Djokovic's dominance at Australian Open

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday scripted history as he won the record-extending ninth Australian Open title after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;Djokovic, with the Australian Open 2021 win, has now been victorious in 18 Grand Slam events – just two behind the iconic duo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.&nbsp;

Djokovic started the summit clash with an ace before winning the first set of the Australian Open final 7-5 against Medvedev.&nbsp;

Djokovic looked game from the word go but Medvedev made life tough for the Serb as he served well while trying to disrupt Djokovic's game-plan with some terrific movement. However, it was Djokovic's class that prevailed as&nbsp;he turned the heat from the second set onwards.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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𝑀𝒶𝒿𝑒𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝒾𝓃 𝑀𝑒𝓁𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒 
 
The moment <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> claims his 9th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> title.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2021</a> <a href="https://t.co/2sQVBGF0Wv">pic.twitter.com/2sQVBGF0Wv</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1363439195138777090?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dodig-polasek-win-australian-open-mens-doubles-title-365199" hreflang="en">Dodig, Polasek win Australian Open men's doubles title</a>

After winning the first set 7-5, Djokovic upped the ante to bag the second set 6-2 as Medvedev looked like he was losing his intensity.&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;was relentless with his services and used both sides of the court to tire out the Russian. While Medvedev tried to get back into the match, Djokovic kept on picking points with his thumping services.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the third set, Medvedev was completely dominated by Djokovic as the Serb sensed that the Russian was losing his tempo. Djokovic didn't break a sweat in the final set to win his ninth Australian Open title.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/four-for-osaka-how-naomis-grand-slams-were-won-365037" hreflang="en">Four for Osaka: How Naomi's Grand Slams were won</a>

With the win, Djokovic has now won the Australian Open nine teams with the Serb lifting the coveted title in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020&nbsp;and 2021.&nbsp;

Djokovic, in the Australian final 2021, defeated the likes of Jeremy Chardy, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev, Aslan&nbsp;Karatsev&nbsp;and Daniil Medvedev.&nbsp;With the domination against Medvedev, Djokovic has now extended his Grand Slam record to 82-8.&nbsp;&nbsp;

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday scripted history as he won the record-extending ninth Australian Open title after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 at Melbourne Park.

World number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday scripted history as he won the record-extending ninth Australian Open title after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 at Melbourne Park. Djokovic, with the Australian Open 2021 win, has now been victorious in 18 Grand Slam events – just two behind the iconic duo of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Djokovic started the summit clash with an ace before winning the first set of the Australian Open final 7-5 against Medvedev. Djokovic looked game from the word go but Medvedev made life tough for the Serb as he served well while trying to disrupt Djokovic's game-plan with some terrific movement. However, it was Djokovic's class that prevailed as he turned the heat from the second set onwards. 𝑀𝒶𝒿𝑒𝓈𝓉𝒾𝒸 𝒾𝓃 𝑀𝑒𝓁𝒷𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒 The moment @DjokerNole claims his 9th #AusOpen title.#AO2021 pic.twitter.com/2sQVBGF0Wv — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 21, 2021 × ALSO READ: Dodig, Polasek win Australian Open men's doubles title After winning the first set 7-5, Djokovic upped the ante to bag the second set 6-2 as Medvedev looked like he was losing his intensity. Djokovic was relentless with his services and used both sides of the court to tire out the Russian. While Medvedev tried to get back into the match, Djokovic kept on picking points with his thumping services. In the third set, Medvedev was completely dominated by Djokovic as the Serb sensed that the Russian was losing his tempo. Djokovic didn't break a sweat in the final set to win his ninth Australian Open title. ALSO READ: Four for Osaka: How Naomi's Grand Slams were won With the win, Djokovic has now won the Australian Open nine teams with the Serb lifting the coveted title in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Djokovic, in the Australian final 2021, defeated the likes of Jeremy Chardy, Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Milos Raonic, Alexander Zverev, Aslan Karatsev and Daniil Medvedev. With the domination against Medvedev, Djokovic has now extended his Grand Slam record to 82-8.

AUS Open Final: Novak Djokovic thumps Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 to win 18th Grand Slam title

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final.

It was the first Grand Slam triumph for Polasek, 35, who came out of retirement in 2018, while Croatia’s Dodig won his second men’s doubles title after winning the 2015 French Open with Marcelo Melo.

Polasek became only the second Slovakian player to win a Grand Slam after Daniela Hantuchova and dedicated the title to his newborn daughter.

“Since we started to play one and a half years ago, we are really enjoying and playing good tennis,” Dodig said during the trophy ceremony. “We are having a lot of fun and hopefully it is going to continue.”

The duo dominated the final at Rod Laver Arena, breaking their opponents’ serve once in each set during the 88-minute contest.

Such was their domination that they created 15 breakpoint opportunities in the match while not allowing Ram and Salisbury a single look at their own serve.

The defeat denied Ram, 36, a double at Melbourne Park this year after he paired with Barbora Krejcikova to win the mixed doubles title on Saturday.

“Filip, I know it’s your first Grand Slam,” Ram said. “That was way too good. Not sure what we could have done any different, so you guys played awesome.”

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final.

Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek won their first Grand Slam title together on Sunday, taking down defending Australian Open men’s doubles champions Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 6-3 6-4 in the final. It was the first Grand Slam triumph for Polasek, 35, who came out of retirement in 2018, while Croatia’s Dodig won his second men’s doubles title after winning the 2015 French Open with Marcelo Melo. Polasek became only the second Slovakian player to win a Grand Slam after Daniela Hantuchova and dedicated the title to his newborn daughter. “Since we started to play one and a half years ago, we are really enjoying and playing good tennis,” Dodig said during the trophy ceremony. “We are having a lot of fun and hopefully it is going to continue.” The duo dominated the final at Rod Laver Arena, breaking their opponents’ serve once in each set during the 88-minute contest. Such was their domination that they created 15 breakpoint opportunities in the match while not allowing Ram and Salisbury a single look at their own serve. The defeat denied Ram, 36, a double at Melbourne Park this year after he paired with Barbora Krejcikova to win the mixed doubles title on Saturday. “Filip, I know it’s your first Grand Slam,” Ram said. “That was way too good. Not sure what we could have done any different, so you guys played awesome.”

Dodig, Polasek win Australian Open men's doubles title

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches). Osaka, with the dominating win, becomes only the fourth active WTA player to win more than three major singles titles. Osaka also closed the gap with world number one Ashleigh&nbsp;Barty after finding herself second in the rankings following the win over Brady.

The 23-year-old becomes only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals. This was Osaka's second Australian Open win as she continues to rise in the world of tennis.

Osaka won the tight first set while breaking Brady twice in the second to win the match 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes in front of thousands of cheerful fans at the Rod Laver Arena. Third-seeded Osaka now holds a 100 per cent record in Grand Slam finals following her win in 2018 and 2020 US Opens and 2019 win in Melbourne.

"We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you're going to be a problem," Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation.

"And I was right. It's really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it's really cool for me to see."

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Osaka saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza before lifting the coveted Australian Open trophy.

Osaka, who also beat her idol, Serena Williams, in straight sets in the semi-finals, has not lost a match in more than a year.

Brady belatedly conjured some resistance to break Osaka against the flow of play and claw back to 5-3. But the American bowed out as she started, with errors flying off her racket. Osaka served out the match to love, with a big serve sealing it when Brady thumped a forehand return long

More to follow...

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches).

Japan's Naomi Osaka on Saturday defeated Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3 to win the Australian Open final as she continued her unbeaten streak to 21 matches (14 Grand Slam matches). Osaka, with the dominating win, becomes only the fourth active WTA player to win more than three major singles titles. Osaka also closed the gap with world number one Ashleigh Barty after finding herself second in the rankings following the win over Brady. The 23-year-old becomes only the third player after Monica Seles and Roger Federer to win their first four major finals. This was Osaka's second Australian Open win as she continues to rise in the world of tennis. Osaka won the tight first set while breaking Brady twice in the second to win the match 6-4, 6-3 in 77 minutes in front of thousands of cheerful fans at the Rod Laver Arena. Third-seeded Osaka now holds a 100 per cent record in Grand Slam finals following her win in 2018 and 2020 US Opens and 2019 win in Melbourne. "We played in the semis of the US Open a couple of months ago and I told everyone that you're going to be a problem," Osaka told Brady at the trophy presentation. "And I was right. It's really incredible to me to see your growth over the past few months, it's really cool for me to see." ALSO READ: King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final Osaka saved two match points in the fourth round against Garbine Muguruza before lifting the coveted Australian Open trophy. Osaka, who also beat her idol, Serena Williams, in straight sets in the semi-finals, has not lost a match in more than a year. Brady belatedly conjured some resistance to break Osaka against the flow of play and claw back to 5-3. But the American bowed out as she started, with errors flying off her racket. Osaka served out the match to love, with a big serve sealing it when Brady thumped a forehand return long More to follow...

Naomi Osaka dominates Jennifer Brady to win Australian Open final

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here, AFP describes how her two US Opens and two Australian Opens were won:

<h2>- US Open 2018 -&nbsp;</h2>

Osaka, 20, became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title by beating her idol Serena Williams 6-2 6-4 in a match marred by the American calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" after being penalised.&nbsp;

A composed Osaka brushed aside the drama to record just her second career title, but her triumph was soured when the&nbsp;American crowd booed during the trophy presentation. Osaka tried to hide her tears and was consoled by Williams.&nbsp;

Seeded 20th, Osaka dropped just one set during the tournament and became the youngest US Open champion since Maria Sharapova in 2006.

<h2>- Australian Open 2019 -&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Osaka backed up her New York breakthrough by battling&nbsp;past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a gripping final at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

She overcame a trio of three-set matches en route to the final, but her hard-fought triumph meant she became&nbsp;the first Asian, male or female, to ascend to the world's top ranking.&nbsp;

Osaka, who wept tears of joy after a titanic battle lasting more than two hours, became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010.

<h2>- US Open 2020 -&nbsp;</h2>

The 22-year-old&nbsp;came from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka to clinch her third Grand Slam title.&nbsp;

The fourth seed fought back from 1-6, 0-2 behind to overcome her unseeded opponent from Belarus 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 inside an Arthur Ashe Stadium devoid of fans at Flushing Meadows.&nbsp;

Osaka walked on to the court wearing a mask bearing the name of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy who was shot dead by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014.&nbsp;

Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian heritage, won widespread praise for her support of the Black Lives Matter movement by wearing different masks each round to honour victims of racial injustice and police brutality.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Australian Open 2021 -</h2>

Beats Brady 6-4, 6-3 in just 77 minutes to complete a remarkable Covid-interrupted 12 months and 21 matches without a defeat on court.

Osaka broke the American twice in each set, and although Brady clawed back one of the breaks each time, she was ultimately undone by the firepower of the Japanese superstar in front of thousands of fans at Rod Laver Arena.

The world's top-earning female athlete, Osaka was pushed hardest in the fourth round when she had to save two match points against Garbine Muguruza but thereafter never looked in danger.

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991.

Naomi Osaka clinched her fourth Grand Slam title Saturday after beating American Jennifer Brady at the Australian Open. The 23-year-old became the first women's player to win her first four Grand Slam finals since Monica Seles in 1991. Here, AFP describes how her two US Opens and two Australian Opens were won: - US Open 2018 - Osaka, 20, became the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title by beating her idol Serena Williams 6-2 6-4 in a match marred by the American calling chair umpire Carlos Ramos "a thief" after being penalised. A composed Osaka brushed aside the drama to record just her second career title, but her triumph was soured when the American crowd booed during the trophy presentation. Osaka tried to hide her tears and was consoled by Williams. Seeded 20th, Osaka dropped just one set during the tournament and became the youngest US Open champion since Maria Sharapova in 2006. - Australian Open 2019 - Osaka backed up her New York breakthrough by battling past Czech eighth seed Petra Kvitova 7-6 (7/2), 5-7, 6-4 in a gripping final at Melbourne Park. She overcame a trio of three-set matches en route to the final, but her hard-fought triumph meant she became the first Asian, male or female, to ascend to the world's top ranking. Osaka, who wept tears of joy after a titanic battle lasting more than two hours, became the youngest woman to win back-to-back majors since Martina Hingis in 1998 and the youngest number one since Caroline Wozniacki in 2010. - US Open 2020 - The 22-year-old came from a set down to beat Victoria Azarenka to clinch her third Grand Slam title. The fourth seed fought back from 1-6, 0-2 behind to overcome her unseeded opponent from Belarus 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 inside an Arthur Ashe Stadium devoid of fans at Flushing Meadows. Osaka walked on to the court wearing a mask bearing the name of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old African-American boy who was shot dead by a white police officer in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014. Osaka, of Japanese and Haitian heritage, won widespread praise for her support of the Black Lives Matter movement by wearing different masks each round to honour victims of racial injustice and police brutality. - Australian Open 2021 - Beats Brady 6-4, 6-3 in just 77 minutes to complete a remarkable Covid-interrupted 12 months and 21 matches without a defeat on court. Osaka broke the American twice in each set, and although Brady clawed back one of the breaks each time, she was ultimately undone by the firepower of the Japanese superstar in front of thousands of fans at Rod Laver Arena. The world's top-earning female athlete, Osaka was pushed hardest in the fourth round when she had to save two match points against Garbine Muguruza but thereafter never looked in danger.

Four for Osaka: How Naomi's Grand Slams were won

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest.

Standing at a lanky 6ft 6in and pencil-thin, he has emerged at the forefront of the next wave looking to smash the 'Big Three' monopoly of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

After reaching the 2019 US Open final, where he lost to Nadal, he has worked hard on his game and fitness to race through the rankings and goes into Sunday's Australian Open final against Djokovic on a 20-match win streak, demonstrating his mental and physical stamina.

Enjoying a career-high ranking of four, he has come to terms with his immense potential.

Before his rise in 2019, he could let his emotions get in the way and never shied away from admitting he did not do everything as professionally as possible.&nbsp;

He competed hard and did his work on the practice court, but his diet and recovery routines were not what they should be, with the 25-year-old enjoying sweets and croissants.

And if a long match went late, he would often skip the ice bath.

"I thought it was going to be the best rest, to just lay on the bed and watch some TV. And in fact, it's not," he said last year.

But Medvedev, nicknamed Bear, has changed and it has paid dividends.

During his 20-match run, he has beaten every top-10 player except Federer, who has been out injured.

When informed of this, he replied: "It's great to know this. It's a pity that Roger is not playing," suggesting he was also confident of taking his scalp.

<h2>- Unlocked everything -</h2>

Medvedev is an intelligent man. He excelled in physics and maths at school, graduating early and enrolling at a university in his native Moscow to study applied economics and commerce.

He opted instead to play tennis full-time, moving to the south of France, where his sister lived, to benefit from its high-quality coaching and facilities.&nbsp;

Fluent in Russian and English, he is also often heard conversing in French with his coach, Gilles Cervara, who has helped steer him to where he is today.

Despite leaving university early, Medvedev remains a tactical thinker, or as commentator Jim Courier put it this week: "He's a master chess player on court".

Medvedev keeps opponents guessing with his flat and low groundstrokes, while changing up the pace and angles, blending impenetrable defence with opportunistic offence.&nbsp;

His semi-final opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas once called Medvedev's playing style "boring" but even the Greek star has been won over.

"Let me tell you that he's a player who has unlocked pretty much everything in the game," he said after crashing to him in straighht sets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"He tricks you. You know, he plays the game really smart. It's really interesting to see that."

While the Russian has refined his game, a key rule still applies and that is to "fight like crazy", a trait drilled him into by one of his first tennis coaches when he was still a small boy.

"Her golden rule was, 'The one who wins the match is the one who made more balls over the net', which is easy to understand," he said.&nbsp;

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest.

Confidence is king and Daniil Medvedev has plenty of it, with the affable Russian morphing into not just one of tennis's best players and premier athletes, but among the smartest. Standing at a lanky 6ft 6in and pencil-thin, he has emerged at the forefront of the next wave looking to smash the 'Big Three' monopoly of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After reaching the 2019 US Open final, where he lost to Nadal, he has worked hard on his game and fitness to race through the rankings and goes into Sunday's Australian Open final against Djokovic on a 20-match win streak, demonstrating his mental and physical stamina. Enjoying a career-high ranking of four, he has come to terms with his immense potential. Before his rise in 2019, he could let his emotions get in the way and never shied away from admitting he did not do everything as professionally as possible. He competed hard and did his work on the practice court, but his diet and recovery routines were not what they should be, with the 25-year-old enjoying sweets and croissants. And if a long match went late, he would often skip the ice bath. "I thought it was going to be the best rest, to just lay on the bed and watch some TV. And in fact, it's not," he said last year. But Medvedev, nicknamed Bear, has changed and it has paid dividends. During his 20-match run, he has beaten every top-10 player except Federer, who has been out injured. When informed of this, he replied: "It's great to know this. It's a pity that Roger is not playing," suggesting he was also confident of taking his scalp. - Unlocked everything - Medvedev is an intelligent man. He excelled in physics and maths at school, graduating early and enrolling at a university in his native Moscow to study applied economics and commerce. He opted instead to play tennis full-time, moving to the south of France, where his sister lived, to benefit from its high-quality coaching and facilities. Fluent in Russian and English, he is also often heard conversing in French with his coach, Gilles Cervara, who has helped steer him to where he is today. Despite leaving university early, Medvedev remains a tactical thinker, or as commentator Jim Courier put it this week: "He's a master chess player on court". Medvedev keeps opponents guessing with his flat and low groundstrokes, while changing up the pace and angles, blending impenetrable defence with opportunistic offence. His semi-final opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas once called Medvedev's playing style "boring" but even the Greek star has been won over. "Let me tell you that he's a player who has unlocked pretty much everything in the game," he said after crashing to him in straighht sets. "He tricks you. You know, he plays the game really smart. It's really interesting to see that." While the Russian has refined his game, a key rule still applies and that is to "fight like crazy", a trait drilled him into by one of his first tennis coaches when he was still a small boy. "Her golden rule was, 'The one who wins the match is the one who made more balls over the net', which is easy to understand," he said.

'He tricks you' - 'chess player' Medvedev keeps opponents in check

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev.

The Serbian world number one is into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each.

It has been a rollercoaster ride to get there, with Djokovic uncharacteristically dropping five sets as he battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out.

But after his semi-final, Djokovic said he was feeling better than at any time during the past fortnight as he prepares to defend his crown against a man on a 20-match unbeaten streak.

The Serb heads into the showpiece on Sunday evening with the phenomenal record of never losing a final on Melbourne's famous blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years.

Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final, in contrast to the Russian's second.&nbsp;

But the 33-year-old, who swept past qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals, said while experience was clearly an advantage, Medvedev was also in electric form.

"Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior to coming into the finals knowing that I never lost in the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more comfortable being on the court," he said.

"But each year is different, although it does have a mental effect on me. Maybe on my opponents, I don't know, but on me it does definitely have a positive effect.

"But it's not a decisive factor in the way the match is going to go forward, because&nbsp;each year is different."

Medvedev is unbeaten since last November, including a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP Finals in London, with Djokovic deeming him "the man to beat".

"He's just so solid. Also, I heard (commentator) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it's true," he said.

"You know, he's definitely a very smart tennis player."

<h2>- 'He's the favourite' -</h2>

Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far, insisted that despite having all the momentum he was still the underdog.

"He's the favourite because he didn't lose. On eight occasions that he was here in the semis he won the tournament," said the 25-year-old.

"Me, I'm... the challenger, the guy that challenges the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight times. And I'm happy about it.

"I know that to beat him you need to just show your best tennis, be at your best physically maybe four or five hours, and be at your best mentally maybe for five hours," he added.

Despite playing down his chances, Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title.

Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players and he has won three of his last four against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb.

"Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience," he said.

"(But) I think when he's in the zone he doesn't miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn't miss. That's what is the toughest part of playing against him."

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic says going unbeaten in eight Australian Open finals will give him confidence in Sunday's decider, but he'll need more than that to overcome "the man to beat" -- red-hot Russian Daniil Medvedev. The Serbian world number one is into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park as he targets an 18th Slam title to close the gap on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who have 20 each. It has been a rollercoaster ride to get there, with Djokovic uncharacteristically dropping five sets as he battled an abdominal injury that nearly forced him to pull out. But after his semi-final, Djokovic said he was feeling better than at any time during the past fortnight as he prepares to defend his crown against a man on a 20-match unbeaten streak. The Serb heads into the showpiece on Sunday evening with the phenomenal record of never losing a final on Melbourne's famous blue courts in eight attempts spanning 13 years. Djokovic will also be playing his 28th Grand Slam final, in contrast to the Russian's second. But the 33-year-old, who swept past qualifier Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals, said while experience was clearly an advantage, Medvedev was also in electric form. "Of course it contributes to more confidence, prior to coming into the finals knowing that I never lost in the finals or semi-finals just makes me feel more comfortable being on the court," he said. "But each year is different, although it does have a mental effect on me. Maybe on my opponents, I don't know, but on me it does definitely have a positive effect. "But it's not a decisive factor in the way the match is going to go forward, because each year is different." Medvedev is unbeaten since last November, including a straight-sets drubbing of the Serb at the ATP Finals in London, with Djokovic deeming him "the man to beat". "He's just so solid. Also, I heard (commentator) Jim Courier calling him a master chess player because of the way he tactically positions himself on the court, and it's true," he said. "You know, he's definitely a very smart tennis player." - 'He's the favourite' - Medvedev, who has dropped just two sets so far, insisted that despite having all the momentum he was still the underdog. "He's the favourite because he didn't lose. On eight occasions that he was here in the semis he won the tournament," said the 25-year-old. "Me, I'm... the challenger, the guy that challenges the guy who was eight times in the final and won eight times. And I'm happy about it. "I know that to beat him you need to just show your best tennis, be at your best physically maybe four or five hours, and be at your best mentally maybe for five hours," he added. Despite playing down his chances, Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 US Open final, losing to Nadal, has the weapons to trouble Djokovic, with a big serve, unrelenting returns and exceptional movement as he targets a maiden Grand Slam title. Twelve of his 20 straight wins have been against top-10 players and he has won three of his last four against the 17-time Grand Slam-winning Serb. "Playing Novak seven times already is just a huge experience," he said. "(But) I think when he's in the zone he doesn't miss. He goes down the line, cross, forehand, backhand, he doesn't miss. That's what is the toughest part of playing against him."

King Novak faces 'challenger' Medvedev in Australian Open final

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A second trophy at Melbourne Park would mean the 23-year-old from Japan has won half of the majors she's contested since her&nbsp;first at the US Open final in 2018 -- an infamous match forever remembered for Serena Williams's implosion.

Osaka's demolition of Williams in the semi-final on Thursday ended the 39-year-old's latest attempt to win an elusive record-equalling 24th Slam title and reinforced the belief that a new generation is taking over from the American.

Osaka is at the forefront of the young wave and credits a new-found mental maturity for being able to battle through matches under the highest pressure.

And she had a warning for the 22nd-seeded American Brady ahead of the final.

"I have this mentality that people don't remember the runners-up," she said.

"I think I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that's where you sort of set yourself apart."

Osaka is hot favourite against Brady, who is making her Grand Slam final debut after being forced into a hard 14-day quarantine ahead of the Australian Open, where she was confined to her hotel room and unable to train. &nbsp;

The pair first clashed as juniors in Florida seven years ago when Brady won.&nbsp;

Osaka has won both their matches since with their rivalry hitting new heights in the second of those, last year's epic US Open semi-final.

Eventual champion Osaka prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in a nerve-jangling encounter, dubbed by some as the best match of the truncated 2020 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Was probably (in the) top two matches I've played in my life," Osaka said of the classic at Flushing Meadows.&nbsp;

"I think the matches I remember the most when I'm having a very hard time.&nbsp;I think about that match a lot."&nbsp;

<h2>- 'She hits it huge' -</h2>

Third seed Osaka believes she had sharpened her game since then, which will be crucial to blunt the strong-serving American.&nbsp;

"I play a little bit different now," said Osaka,&nbsp;who is riding an unbeaten 20-match winning streak stretching 12 months.&nbsp;

"I think my returns are better.&nbsp;I can't fully base everything on that match, but definitely it's something to reference."

Brady, 25, has not faced a higher-ranked player in her run to the final, helped by the exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Sofia Kenin on her side of the draw.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Having not lost a set until surviving a three-set thriller to Karolina Muchova in the semis, Brady knows she's in for a fight against a player she long believed was destined for stardom.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We grew up playing junior local tournaments in Florida," she said.&nbsp;

"I remember playing her, I was, like, 'Wow, she hits the ball huge. She's going to be good. She's got something special'."&nbsp;

Brady, who "didn't really like" tennis a youngster but rekindled her love for the sport at college, has revelled in self-belief since her breakthrough in New York, but admitted the cauldron of a Slam final will be a new experience.&nbsp; &nbsp;

"I don't know how I'm going to feel on Saturday," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There are going to be moments, games, points where I'm going to be thinking ... 'Wow, this could be my first Grand Slam title'."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Osaka is more experienced on the highest stage despite being two years younger and has changed her attitude to big-match occasions.

"I used to weigh my entire existence on if I won or lost a tennis match," she said. "That's just not how I feel any more."&nbsp;

Osaka, who has never lost a Slam match after getting past the fourth round, is aiming to become the first woman's player since Monica Seles to win her first four Grand Slam finals.

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday.

Naomi Osaka says nobody remembers a loser -- and she doesn't plan to be one when she tries to win a fourth Grand Slam crown against Jennifer Brady in the Australian Open final on Saturday. A second trophy at Melbourne Park would mean the 23-year-old from Japan has won half of the majors she's contested since her first at the US Open final in 2018 -- an infamous match forever remembered for Serena Williams's implosion. Osaka's demolition of Williams in the semi-final on Thursday ended the 39-year-old's latest attempt to win an elusive record-equalling 24th Slam title and reinforced the belief that a new generation is taking over from the American. Osaka is at the forefront of the young wave and credits a new-found mental maturity for being able to battle through matches under the highest pressure. And she had a warning for the 22nd-seeded American Brady ahead of the final. "I have this mentality that people don't remember the runners-up," she said. "I think I fight the hardest in the finals. I think that's where you sort of set yourself apart." Osaka is hot favourite against Brady, who is making her Grand Slam final debut after being forced into a hard 14-day quarantine ahead of the Australian Open, where she was confined to her hotel room and unable to train. The pair first clashed as juniors in Florida seven years ago when Brady won. Osaka has won both their matches since with their rivalry hitting new heights in the second of those, last year's epic US Open semi-final. Eventual champion Osaka prevailed 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 in a nerve-jangling encounter, dubbed by some as the best match of the truncated 2020 season. "Was probably (in the) top two matches I've played in my life," Osaka said of the classic at Flushing Meadows. "I think the matches I remember the most when I'm having a very hard time. I think about that match a lot." - 'She hits it huge' - Third seed Osaka believes she had sharpened her game since then, which will be crucial to blunt the strong-serving American. "I play a little bit different now," said Osaka, who is riding an unbeaten 20-match winning streak stretching 12 months. "I think my returns are better. I can't fully base everything on that match, but definitely it's something to reference." Brady, 25, has not faced a higher-ranked player in her run to the final, helped by the exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and defending champion Sofia Kenin on her side of the draw. Having not lost a set until surviving a three-set thriller to Karolina Muchova in the semis, Brady knows she's in for a fight against a player she long believed was destined for stardom. "We grew up playing junior local tournaments in Florida," she said. "I remember playing her, I was, like, 'Wow, she hits the ball huge. She's going to be good. She's got something special'." Brady, who "didn't really like" tennis a youngster but rekindled her love for the sport at college, has revelled in self-belief since her breakthrough in New York, but admitted the cauldron of a Slam final will be a new experience. "I don't know how I'm going to feel on Saturday," she said. "There are going to be moments, games, points where I'm going to be thinking ... 'Wow, this could be my first Grand Slam title'." Osaka is more experienced on the highest stage despite being two years younger and has changed her attitude to big-match occasions. "I used to weigh my entire existence on if I won or lost a tennis match," she said. "That's just not how I feel any more." Osaka, who has never lost a Slam match after getting past the fourth round, is aiming to become the first woman's player since Monica Seles to win her first four Grand Slam finals.

'I fight hardest in finals' - Osaka's Australian Open warning to Brady

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday.

Medvedev, now into his second Grand Slam decider on the back of a 20-match winning streak, said the world number one has "more things to lose" on Sunday.

Djokovic, with 17 major titles, has won all eight of his Australian Open finals and is looking to close the gap on the record of 20 Slam trophies held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

"I like that I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in eight times that he was here in the final," said the 25-year-old world number four.

"So it's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger and Rafa in the Grand Slams (list).

"So I just hope that I'm going to get out there, show my best tennis. As we see I can beat some big names if I play good.

"For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose."

Medvedev, a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 winner against Tsitsipas, has now beaten 12 top-10 players and lifted three trophies during his winning run.

He said the lessons learned in his debut Slam final, when he came from two sets down to give Nadal a huge scare at the 2019 US Open, would help him on Sunday.

"It's experience, it was my first Grand Slam final against one of the greatest. On Sunday I'm going to come against one of the other greatest," he said.

"I played against Rafa in this crazy US Open match. It's an experience that maybe, if we're going to have some crazy match, can turn some things for me and not against me."

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday.

Russia's Daniil Medvedev insisted the pressure was all on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final after he breezed past Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the semis on Friday. Medvedev, now into his second Grand Slam decider on the back of a 20-match winning streak, said the world number one has "more things to lose" on Sunday. Djokovic, with 17 major titles, has won all eight of his Australian Open finals and is looking to close the gap on the record of 20 Slam trophies held by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. "I like that I don't have a lot of pressure because he never lost in eight times that he was here in the final," said the 25-year-old world number four. "So it's him who has all the pressure, getting to Roger and Rafa in the Grand Slams (list). "So I just hope that I'm going to get out there, show my best tennis. As we see I can beat some big names if I play good. "For sure he has more experience, but more things to lose." Medvedev, a 6-4, 6-2, 7-5 winner against Tsitsipas, has now beaten 12 top-10 players and lifted three trophies during his winning run. He said the lessons learned in his debut Slam final, when he came from two sets down to give Nadal a huge scare at the 2019 US Open, would help him on Sunday. "It's experience, it was my first Grand Slam final against one of the greatest. On Sunday I'm going to come against one of the other greatest," he said. "I played against Rafa in this crazy US Open match. It's an experience that maybe, if we're going to have some crazy match, can turn some things for me and not against me."

Pressure on Djokovic in Australian Open final, says Medvedev

Second seeded Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka swept past Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova to clinch their maiden Australian Open doubles crown on Friday.

The Belgian-Belarusian combination proved too strong for the third-seeded Czech pair, winning 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena after sealing the match on their fourth championship point.&nbsp;

"It's been a tough couple of weeks so thank you to everyone involved. Glad to have fans back," said Mertens.

It was their second Grand Slam success as a team after the 2019 US Open and sixth title overall as they both bounced back from fourth-round defeats in singles at Melbourne Park.

They pair made their debut together at the 2019 Australian Open and have since established themselves as one the tour's top teams, along with two-time Grand Slam winners Krejcikova and Siniakova.

Second seeded Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka swept past Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova to clinch their maiden Australian Open doubles crown on Friday.

Second seeded Elise Mertens and Aryna Sabalenka swept past Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova to clinch their maiden Australian Open doubles crown on Friday. The Belgian-Belarusian combination proved too strong for the third-seeded Czech pair, winning 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena after sealing the match on their fourth championship point. "It's been a tough couple of weeks so thank you to everyone involved. Glad to have fans back," said Mertens. It was their second Grand Slam success as a team after the 2019 US Open and sixth title overall as they both bounced back from fourth-round defeats in singles at Melbourne Park. They pair made their debut together at the 2019 Australian Open and have since established themselves as one the tour's top teams, along with two-time Grand Slam winners Krejcikova and Siniakova.

Mertens-Sabalenka win Australian Open women's doubles title

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev said he now felt he could play anyone after his sensational Australian Open run was finally halted by top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Thursday.

After knocking out three seeds on his Grand Slam debut, it took eight-time champion Djokovic to stop Karatsev and prevent him from creating more history by reaching the final.

The 27-year-old, who had never before qualified for a Grand Slam, will soar from 114 to 42 in the rankings and collects Au$850,000 ($658,000) in prize money, more than doubling his career earnings.

"That I can play with everyone," he said, when asked what he had learned from the Melbourne tournament.

"To be there and to compete with everyone. I think it'll help me a lot during my career... It gives me more experience, more confidence."

Thursday's defeat ended a tennis fairy-tale, after Karatsev became the first man in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam semi on debut.

He was also the lowest-ranked player to reach a major semi-final since Goran Ivanisevic, then the world number 125, at Wimbledon in 2001.

His charmed campaign included wins over eighth seed Diego Schwartzmann, 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and injury-hit 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov.&nbsp;

Djokovic, however, was a different matter.

"There is a huge level, the difference is really big," said the Vladikavkaz native.

"He doesn't give you free points. On my serve it's like every point you have to take, you have to play the rally.

"On my service games there's always rallies, rallies. He served well all the match. Yeah, you're under pressure."

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev said he now felt he could play anyone after his sensational Australian Open run was finally halted by top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev said he now felt he could play anyone after his sensational Australian Open run was finally halted by top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Thursday. After knocking out three seeds on his Grand Slam debut, it took eight-time champion Djokovic to stop Karatsev and prevent him from creating more history by reaching the final. The 27-year-old, who had never before qualified for a Grand Slam, will soar from 114 to 42 in the rankings and collects Au$850,000 ($658,000) in prize money, more than doubling his career earnings. "That I can play with everyone," he said, when asked what he had learned from the Melbourne tournament. "To be there and to compete with everyone. I think it'll help me a lot during my career... It gives me more experience, more confidence." Thursday's defeat ended a tennis fairy-tale, after Karatsev became the first man in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam semi on debut. He was also the lowest-ranked player to reach a major semi-final since Goran Ivanisevic, then the world number 125, at Wimbledon in 2001. His charmed campaign included wins over eighth seed Diego Schwartzmann, 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and injury-hit 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov. Djokovic, however, was a different matter. "There is a huge level, the difference is really big," said the Vladikavkaz native. "He doesn't give you free points. On my serve it's like every point you have to take, you have to play the rally. "On my service games there's always rallies, rallies. He served well all the match. Yeah, you're under pressure."

Points, confidence, prize money: Karatsev fairy-tale has happy ending

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