Novak Djokovic has not endeared himself to fans over the past year, but the Australian Open's undisputed king will take some stopping as he targets a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park.

Also&nbsp;see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-djokovic-to-nadal-five-mens-singles-players-to-watch-at-the-australian-open-2021-361589" hreflang="en">From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021</a>

Djokovic claimed his 17th Grand Slam crown in last year's gripping final when he came back from 2-1 down to edge Austria's Dominic Thiem in five sets.

The Serbian's eighth victory in 16 visits reinforced his dominance in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, where he claimed his first Grand Slam title in 2008 and has won seven of the last 10 editions.

Rafael Nadal and Thiem look to be his biggest rivals at this year's tournament, with six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer sidelined as he recovers from double knee surgery.

The Australian Open was the highlight of a mesmerising early 2020 season for Djokovic, who won his first four tournaments of the year.

However, off-court, things soon unravelled for the elastic-limbed world number one.

After tennis went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, Djokovic launched the ill-fated Adria Tour in June, with no social distancing and players pictured dancing shirtless at a packed nightclub.

Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a number of people to subsequently test positive for the virus, with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill.

<h2>Line judge row&nbsp;</h2>

Worse was to come when tennis resumed and Djokovic defaulted out of the US&nbsp;Open in sensational fashion, when he angrily swiped away a ball that accidentally hit a female line judge in the throat.

His hopes of becoming the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice then ended in a straight-sets defeat to Nadal in the French Open final.

Djokovic also drew negative comment in August for launching the Professional Tennis Players&nbsp;Association, a breakaway group outside the men's tour, as tennis attempted to get back on its feet.

And he found himself labelled a "tool" by Australia's Nick Kyrgios after requesting better conditions for players during Australia's mandatory quarantine, including private houses with tennis courts.

Despite the off-court turbulence, Djokovic enjoys strong support in Melbourne -- which has a sizeable Serbian population -- and said Rod Laver Arena brings back "beautiful memories".

"It does feel like a home for me in Australia, in Melbourne, particularly in Rod Laver," he said.&nbsp;

"That is by far my most successful tennis court in my career. Had some profound memories in the last 15 years, and you know, won my first Grand Slam back in 2008.&nbsp;

"Had probably the most exciting matches played on this court, and definitely the longest match ever that I played was in the finals, almost six hours with Rafa (Nadal) in 2012."

Nadal will undoubtedly figure prominently in the tournament but it is now 12 years since he won his lone title in Melbourne, despite four more trips to the final.

The Spaniard also has fitness concerns after he pulled out of the ATP Cup during warm-up week with a sore back.

Thiem came agonisingly close to victory last year and, buoyed by his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, will be confident against anyone in the draw -- including Djokovic, against whom he has won five of their last seven meetings.

Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are also among the top contenders at a tournament where form is difficult to judge, with playing opportunities hard to come by during the pandemic.

Novak Djokovic has not endeared himself to fans over the past year, but the Australian Open's undisputed king will take some stopping as he targets a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park.

Novak Djokovic has not endeared himself to fans over the past year, but the Australian Open's undisputed king will take some stopping as he targets a record-extending ninth title at Melbourne Park. Also see| From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 Djokovic claimed his 17th Grand Slam crown in last year's gripping final when he came back from 2-1 down to edge Austria's Dominic Thiem in five sets. The Serbian's eighth victory in 16 visits reinforced his dominance in Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena, where he claimed his first Grand Slam title in 2008 and has won seven of the last 10 editions. Rafael Nadal and Thiem look to be his biggest rivals at this year's tournament, with six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer sidelined as he recovers from double knee surgery. The Australian Open was the highlight of a mesmerising early 2020 season for Djokovic, who won his first four tournaments of the year. However, off-court, things soon unravelled for the elastic-limbed world number one. After tennis went into lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, Djokovic launched the ill-fated Adria Tour in June, with no social distancing and players pictured dancing shirtless at a packed nightclub. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a number of people to subsequently test positive for the virus, with Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill. Line judge row Worse was to come when tennis resumed and Djokovic defaulted out of the US Open in sensational fashion, when he angrily swiped away a ball that accidentally hit a female line judge in the throat. His hopes of becoming the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice then ended in a straight-sets defeat to Nadal in the French Open final. Djokovic also drew negative comment in August for launching the Professional Tennis Players Association, a breakaway group outside the men's tour, as tennis attempted to get back on its feet. And he found himself labelled a "tool" by Australia's Nick Kyrgios after requesting better conditions for players during Australia's mandatory quarantine, including private houses with tennis courts. Despite the off-court turbulence, Djokovic enjoys strong support in Melbourne -- which has a sizeable Serbian population -- and said Rod Laver Arena brings back "beautiful memories". "It does feel like a home for me in Australia, in Melbourne, particularly in Rod Laver," he said. "That is by far my most successful tennis court in my career. Had some profound memories in the last 15 years, and you know, won my first Grand Slam back in 2008. "Had probably the most exciting matches played on this court, and definitely the longest match ever that I played was in the finals, almost six hours with Rafa (Nadal) in 2012." Nadal will undoubtedly figure prominently in the tournament but it is now 12 years since he won his lone title in Melbourne, despite four more trips to the final. The Spaniard also has fitness concerns after he pulled out of the ATP Cup during warm-up week with a sore back. Thiem came agonisingly close to victory last year and, buoyed by his first Grand Slam title at the US Open, will be confident against anyone in the draw -- including Djokovic, against whom he has won five of their last seven meetings. Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas are also among the top contenders at a tournament where form is difficult to judge, with playing opportunities hard to come by during the pandemic.

Who can stop Djokovic? Controversial king eyes ninth Aussie crown

British tennis player Dan Evans won his first ATP Tour title with a dominating win over Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Murray River Open final on Sunday. The Briton crashed the Canadian 6-2, 6-3 to capture his first title.&nbsp;

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Dan broke serve five times in the Australian Open warm-up event and defeated Auger-Aliassime within 77 minutes. Felix now has lost all seven finals he has played in.

The 30-year-old Briton took advantage of Canadian's mistake to break twice in the opening set and take control.

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He did not let up in the second, the only blip coming when he was broken while serving for the match at 5-2. However, Evans produced an instant response to break back and seal the victory.

The ATP Tour Title will give Evans some much-needed morale boost ahead of the year's first Grand Slam (Australian Open 2021) which is set to kick off on February 8. The British ace has never gone beyond the second round of the Grand Slam since 2017.&nbsp;

Dan Evans will be facing Cameron Norrie in the first round on Tuesday.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

British tennis player Dan Evans won his first ATP Tour title with a dominating win over Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Murray River Open final on Sunday. The Briton crashed the Canadian 6-2, 6-3 to capture his first title.

British tennis player Dan Evans won his first ATP Tour title with a dominating win over Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Murray River Open final on Sunday. The Briton crashed the Canadian 6-2, 6-3 to capture his first title. ALSO READ: 'I don't have much respect for him': Novak Djokovic hits back at Nick Kyrgios Dan broke serve five times in the Australian Open warm-up event and defeated Auger-Aliassime within 77 minutes. Felix now has lost all seven finals he has played in. The 30-year-old Briton took advantage of Canadian's mistake to break twice in the opening set and take control. ALSO SEE| From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 He did not let up in the second, the only blip coming when he was broken while serving for the match at 5-2. However, Evans produced an instant response to break back and seal the victory. The ATP Tour Title will give Evans some much-needed morale boost ahead of the year's first Grand Slam (Australian Open 2021) which is set to kick off on February 8. The British ace has never gone beyond the second round of the Grand Slam since 2017. Dan Evans will be facing Cameron Norrie in the first round on Tuesday. (Inputs from Reuters)

Murray River Open: Dan Evans wins his first ATP Tour title after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic on Sunday hit back at Nick Kyrgios, who criticised the world number one, saying that he has little respect for the outspoken Australian off the tennis court.&nbsp;

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The Australian ace, who has been a constant critic of Djokovic, called him a "tool" on social media last month after the Serb sent Australian Open organisers a list of requests from players seeking to have quarantine restrictions eased during their mandatory two-week isolation.

Djokovic hit back by saying that Kyrgios is good in tennis, and the Australian is talented enough to beat anyone, however, away from the game, he was not someone the Serb admired.

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"My respect goes to him for the tennis he's playing. I think he's a very talented guy," Djokovic told reporters.

"He's got a big game. He has proven that he has the quality to beat any player really in the world in the past.

"Off the court, I don't have much respect for him, to be honest. That's where I'll close it.

"I really don't have any further comments for him, his own comments for me or anything else he's trying to do."

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic on Sunday hit back at Nick Kyrgios, who criticised the world number one, saying that he has little respect for the outspoken Australian off the tennis court.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic on Sunday hit back at Nick Kyrgios, who criticised the world number one, saying that he has little respect for the outspoken Australian off the tennis court. ALSO READ: Japanese ace Naomi Osaka calls Mori 'ignorant' over sexist remarks The Australian ace, who has been a constant critic of Djokovic, called him a "tool" on social media last month after the Serb sent Australian Open organisers a list of requests from players seeking to have quarantine restrictions eased during their mandatory two-week isolation. Djokovic hit back by saying that Kyrgios is good in tennis, and the Australian is talented enough to beat anyone, however, away from the game, he was not someone the Serb admired. ALSO SEE| From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 "My respect goes to him for the tennis he's playing. I think he's a very talented guy," Djokovic told reporters. "He's got a big game. He has proven that he has the quality to beat any player really in the world in the past. "Off the court, I don't have much respect for him, to be honest. That's where I'll close it. "I really don't have any further comments for him, his own comments for me or anything else he's trying to do."

'I don't have much respect for him': Novak Djokovic hits back at Nick Kyrgios

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries. 
 
Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final with an unspecified "niggling injury" but said she looked forward to competing at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. 
 
"Sorry to Tennis Australia and the fans to have to withdraw today," Osaka said in a statement. 
 
"I have a niggling injury and in light of the AO on the horizon, I need to be cautious. I look forward to competing next week." 
 
The injuries were a further blow for organisers, coming a day after Serena Williams withdrew from her Yarra Valley Open semi-final against world number one Ash Barty. 
 
Barty will face a tough test in Sunday`s final against the in-form Garbine Muguruza, who backed up a 6-2 6-2 quarter-final win over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. 
 
The Spaniard, the runner-up to Kenin at Melbourne Park last year, has dropped only 10 games in four matches on her way to the final. 
 
"I think I played well today, my serve was working well at the right moments and I was able to control the match," Muguruza said after wrapping up her win over the Czech in under an hour. 
 
"I`m expecting another battle tomorrow." 
 
Osaka`s withdrawal gave Belgian Elise Mertens a walkover to the final of the Gippsland Trophy, where she will meet Ekaterina Alexandrova or Kaia Kanepi. 
 
Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012-13, withdrew from her Grampians Trophy quarter-final against Anett Kontaveit, giving the Estonian a walkover. The WTA said the Belarusian had a lower back problem. 
 
Kontaveit will play Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals after the Greek ousted 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 in their quarter-final in front of a small crowd on Margaret Court Arena.

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries.

Former Australian Open champions Naomi Osaka and Victoria Azarenka withdrew from their warm-up tournaments for the year`s first Grand Slam on Saturday, citing injuries. Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final with an unspecified "niggling injury" but said she looked forward to competing at the Australian Open, which starts on Monday. "Sorry to Tennis Australia and the fans to have to withdraw today," Osaka said in a statement. "I have a niggling injury and in light of the AO on the horizon, I need to be cautious. I look forward to competing next week." The injuries were a further blow for organisers, coming a day after Serena Williams withdrew from her Yarra Valley Open semi-final against world number one Ash Barty. Barty will face a tough test in Sunday`s final against the in-form Garbine Muguruza, who backed up a 6-2 6-2 quarter-final win over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin with a 6-1 6-0 thrashing of Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. The Spaniard, the runner-up to Kenin at Melbourne Park last year, has dropped only 10 games in four matches on her way to the final. "I think I played well today, my serve was working well at the right moments and I was able to control the match," Muguruza said after wrapping up her win over the Czech in under an hour. "I`m expecting another battle tomorrow." Osaka`s withdrawal gave Belgian Elise Mertens a walkover to the final of the Gippsland Trophy, where she will meet Ekaterina Alexandrova or Kaia Kanepi. Azarenka, who won back-to-back Australian Open titles in 2012-13, withdrew from her Grampians Trophy quarter-final against Anett Kontaveit, giving the Estonian a walkover. The WTA said the Belarusian had a lower back problem. Kontaveit will play Maria Sakkari in the semi-finals after the Greek ousted 2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-2 in their quarter-final in front of a small crowd on Margaret Court Arena.

Osaka, Azarenka pull out of Australian Open warm-ups

Simona Halep has come close to winning the Australian Open on a couple of occasions and although she does not want to dwell too much on what might have been, it does encourage her to believe that she can go deep in the tournament again. 
 
Halep, who boasts French Open and Wimbledon titles in her Grand Slam collection, lost the 2018 Australian Open final to Caroline Wozniacki and fell at the penultimate hurdle last year with a semi-final loss to Garbine Muguruza. 
 
"I have the results in my head every time I come here. I always think if I did it once, or twice, I have the possibility to do it again," the 29-year-old Romanian told reporters a couple of days out from her 12th Australian Open. 
 
"But I don`t want to think that much because I put pressure on myself and I expect maybe too much sometimes. I will take as a normal tournament, an important one, of course." 
 
That pragmatic outlook permeated Halep`s news conference and the second seed returned to the theme when asked how, in a sport where consistency is at a premium, she had remained in the world`s top 10 for seven years. 
 
"I think I`ve been very focused on my job, because I call it a job. It is a job in my head. I get pleasure from it, but it`s a job," she said. 
 
"In the last five, seven years, I can say in a part that it is a job, but also I have the passion that keeps me alive in this sport." 
 
After two weeks of quarantine in Adelaide -- "For me, it was OK" -- Halep got back to work this week with two wins in the Gippsland Trophy before crashing out to Ekaterina Alexandrova. 
 
In the first round of the Grand Slam on Monday or Tuesday, Halep said she would be entirely focused on her first career meeting with Australian world number 140 Lisette Cabrera. 
 
"It`s a big challenge the first round everywhere ... I will train a little bit what I have to do against her," she added. 
 
"I am centred. I`m focused on what I have to do, but I`m not thinking that much about the chances that I have here."

Simona Halep has come close to winning the Australian Open on a couple of occasions and although she does not want to dwell too much on what might have been, it does encourage her to believe that she can go deep in the tournament again.

Simona Halep has come close to winning the Australian Open on a couple of occasions and although she does not want to dwell too much on what might have been, it does encourage her to believe that she can go deep in the tournament again. Halep, who boasts French Open and Wimbledon titles in her Grand Slam collection, lost the 2018 Australian Open final to Caroline Wozniacki and fell at the penultimate hurdle last year with a semi-final loss to Garbine Muguruza. "I have the results in my head every time I come here. I always think if I did it once, or twice, I have the possibility to do it again," the 29-year-old Romanian told reporters a couple of days out from her 12th Australian Open. "But I don`t want to think that much because I put pressure on myself and I expect maybe too much sometimes. I will take as a normal tournament, an important one, of course." That pragmatic outlook permeated Halep`s news conference and the second seed returned to the theme when asked how, in a sport where consistency is at a premium, she had remained in the world`s top 10 for seven years. "I think I`ve been very focused on my job, because I call it a job. It is a job in my head. I get pleasure from it, but it`s a job," she said. "In the last five, seven years, I can say in a part that it is a job, but also I have the passion that keeps me alive in this sport." After two weeks of quarantine in Adelaide -- "For me, it was OK" -- Halep got back to work this week with two wins in the Gippsland Trophy before crashing out to Ekaterina Alexandrova. In the first round of the Grand Slam on Monday or Tuesday, Halep said she would be entirely focused on her first career meeting with Australian world number 140 Lisette Cabrera. "It`s a big challenge the first round everywhere ... I will train a little bit what I have to do against her," she added. "I am centred. I`m focused on what I have to do, but I`m not thinking that much about the chances that I have here."

Halep back on the job at Melbourne Park

Australia`s second-most populous state of Victoria reported no local novel coronavirus cases on Saturday for the second straight day, tapering down concerns about the Australian Open tennis tournament due to start in Melbourne on Monday.

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More than 500 staff and players at the event, the year`s first Grand Slam, tested negative for the novel coronavirus on Friday in re-testing required after a worker at their quarantine hotel caught the virus. 
 
Positive cases could have spurred a lockdown or more limits on spectators attending the tournament.

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Some 800,000 people attended the event last year but due to the pandemic authorities have approved 30,000 fans per day, about 50% capacity. 
 
Qualifying matches were cancelled on Thursday while test results were pending. 
 
The Victorian government has ruled that, except for players, masks will be mandatory for matches played under a closed roof. Following the most recent case, masks are required in all indoor spaces in Victoria. 
 
"That applies to the stadia at the Australian Open when the roofs are closed, it`s like any other indoor setting," Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said at a press conference on Saturday. 
 
Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Twitter that there was no new community coronavirus case across the whole of Australia Saturday. 
 
"That makes zero on 16 of the last 18 days," Hunt wrote. 
 
EXCITED TO PLAY 
 
Australia has been far more successful than most advanced economies in managing the pandemic, with total infections at under 29,000 and 909 deaths so far. 
 
This came thanks to strict and swift measures, high rates of community compliance and aggressive testing and tracing. 
 
The country`s borders have been closed since March of last year, meaning there will be almost no fans from abroad at the Australian Open. 
 
More than 1,000 staff and players arriving from abroad were put into a two-week quarantine in Melbourne, leading to complaints from some frustrated players. 
 
However, seven-times champion Serena Williams defended the mandatory quarantine procedures on Saturday. 
 
"I think it was the best thing for all the players to do," the 23-times Grand Slam champion told reporters at Melbourne Park. "Even to have an opportunity to come and play was super exciting. 
 
"I didn`t have really any negatives. I realized that my life is one big quarantine because I don`t really leave the house much. It wasn`t much different than what I normally do."

Australia`s second-most populous state of Victoria reported no local novel coronavirus cases on Saturday for the second straight day, tapering down concerns about the Australian Open tennis tournament due to start in Melbourne on Monday.

Australia`s second-most populous state of Victoria reported no local novel coronavirus cases on Saturday for the second straight day, tapering down concerns about the Australian Open tennis tournament due to start in Melbourne on Monday. ALSO SEE: From Naomi Osaka to Sofia Kenin: Here are five women to watch at the Australian Open More than 500 staff and players at the event, the year`s first Grand Slam, tested negative for the novel coronavirus on Friday in re-testing required after a worker at their quarantine hotel caught the virus. Positive cases could have spurred a lockdown or more limits on spectators attending the tournament. ALSO SEE: From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 Some 800,000 people attended the event last year but due to the pandemic authorities have approved 30,000 fans per day, about 50% capacity. Qualifying matches were cancelled on Thursday while test results were pending. The Victorian government has ruled that, except for players, masks will be mandatory for matches played under a closed roof. Following the most recent case, masks are required in all indoor spaces in Victoria. "That applies to the stadia at the Australian Open when the roofs are closed, it`s like any other indoor setting," Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said at a press conference on Saturday. Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Twitter that there was no new community coronavirus case across the whole of Australia Saturday. "That makes zero on 16 of the last 18 days," Hunt wrote. EXCITED TO PLAY Australia has been far more successful than most advanced economies in managing the pandemic, with total infections at under 29,000 and 909 deaths so far. This came thanks to strict and swift measures, high rates of community compliance and aggressive testing and tracing. The country`s borders have been closed since March of last year, meaning there will be almost no fans from abroad at the Australian Open. More than 1,000 staff and players arriving from abroad were put into a two-week quarantine in Melbourne, leading to complaints from some frustrated players. However, seven-times champion Serena Williams defended the mandatory quarantine procedures on Saturday. "I think it was the best thing for all the players to do," the 23-times Grand Slam champion told reporters at Melbourne Park. "Even to have an opportunity to come and play was super exciting. "I didn`t have really any negatives. I realized that my life is one big quarantine because I don`t really leave the house much. It wasn`t much different than what I normally do."

Australian Open concerns ease as Victoria records no new COVID-19 cases

Serena Williams is "super confident" her injured shoulder will hold up for the Australian Open and says she feels more relaxed about the "burden" of bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title. 
 
Williams, a seven-times champion at Melbourne Park, pulled out of the warmup Yarra Valley Classic on Friday, robbing the tournament of a marquee semi-final with world number one and home hero Ash Barty. 
 
The American great said she would have to manage her shoulder through the Australian Open but was feeling "pretty good". 
 
"I`ve gotten a lot of treatment already on my shoulder," Williams told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. 
 
"But I`m super confident it`s going to be great. I`m feeling very confident, I think is a better word, and getting ready for hopefully the next two weeks." 
 
Williams, who opens her tournament against unseeded German Laura Siegemund, won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles four years ago at Melbourne Park when in the early stages of pregnancy. 
 
Despite making four Grand Slam finals since motherhood, the 39-year-old remains one short of Margaret Court`s all-time record. 
 
"It`s definitely on my shoulders and on my mind," she said of the record. 
 
"I think it`s good to be on my mind. I think it`s a different burden, I should say, on my shoulders because I`m used to it now. It`s more relaxing I would like to say, yeah." 
 
Williams has beaten 51st-ranked Siegemund in both their previous matches, including the quarter-finals of last year`s Auckland Classic in the leadup to the 2020 Australian Open. 
 
"She has a different game," said Williams. 
 
"She mixes up the pace a lot. It will be a really good match for me to get in there early and play my best."

Serena Williams is "super confident" her injured shoulder will hold up for the Australian Open and says she feels more relaxed about the "burden" of bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.

Serena Williams is "super confident" her injured shoulder will hold up for the Australian Open and says she feels more relaxed about the "burden" of bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title. Williams, a seven-times champion at Melbourne Park, pulled out of the warmup Yarra Valley Classic on Friday, robbing the tournament of a marquee semi-final with world number one and home hero Ash Barty. The American great said she would have to manage her shoulder through the Australian Open but was feeling "pretty good". "I`ve gotten a lot of treatment already on my shoulder," Williams told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. "But I`m super confident it`s going to be great. I`m feeling very confident, I think is a better word, and getting ready for hopefully the next two weeks." Williams, who opens her tournament against unseeded German Laura Siegemund, won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles four years ago at Melbourne Park when in the early stages of pregnancy. Despite making four Grand Slam finals since motherhood, the 39-year-old remains one short of Margaret Court`s all-time record. "It`s definitely on my shoulders and on my mind," she said of the record. "I think it`s good to be on my mind. I think it`s a different burden, I should say, on my shoulders because I`m used to it now. It`s more relaxing I would like to say, yeah." Williams has beaten 51st-ranked Siegemund in both their previous matches, including the quarter-finals of last year`s Auckland Classic in the leadup to the 2020 Australian Open. "She has a different game," said Williams. "She mixes up the pace a lot. It will be a really good match for me to get in there early and play my best."

Serena shrugs off shoulder issue, ''relaxed'' about Slam record bid

From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021

From Naomi Osaka to Sofia Kenin: Here are five women to watch at the Australian Open

Australian Open has released its seeds and draw as the year's first Grand Slam is set to kick off on February 8 at Melbourne Park. Defending champion and world no. 1 Novak Djokovic will begin his campaign against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy while reigning women's champion Sofia Kenin locks horns with wild card Maddison Inglis.&nbsp;

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Spanish ace Rafael Nadal will clash with Serbia's Laslo Djere in his opener, hoping to win the Grand Slam and overtaking Roger Federer, who has 20 major titles to his name. The Swiss star will not be playing this year due to knee injury.&nbsp;

Women's world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty will take on Danka Kovinic in her quest to become the first homegrown singles winner at the Australian Open since 1978.&nbsp;

American star Serena Williams, who is hopeful of record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, will take on Laura Siegemund in the opening round.

<h2>SEEDS:&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Men's singles</h2>

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP), 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT, 4. Daniil Medvedev (RUS), 5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE), 6. Alexander Zverev (GER), 7. Andrey Rublev (RUS), 8. Diego Schwartzman (ARG), 9. Matteo Berrettini (ITA), 10. Gael Monfils (FRA), 11. Denis Shapovalov (CAN), 12. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP), 13. David Goffin (BEL), 14. Milos Raonic (CAN), 15. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP), 16. Fabio Fognini (ITA), 17. Stan Wawrinka (SUI), 18. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), 19. Karen Khachanov (RUS), 20. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN), 21. Alex de Minaur (AUS), 22. Borna Coric (CRO), 23. Dusan Lajovic (SRB), 24. Casper Ruud (NOR), 25. Benoit Paire (FRA), 26. Hubert Hurkacz (POL), 27. Taylor Fritz (USA), 28. Filip Krajinovic (SRB), 29. Ugo Humbert (FRA), Dan Evans (GBR)

<h2> 
Women's singles</h2>

1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS), 2. Simona Halep (ROU), 3. Naomi Osaka (JPN), 4. Sofia Kenin (USA), 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR), 6. Karolina Pliskova (CZE), 7. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR), 8. Bianca Andreescu (CAN), 9. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 10. Serena Williams (USA), 11. Belinda Bencic (SUI), 12. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 13. Johanna Konta (GBR), 14. Garbine Muguruza (ESP), 15. Iga Swiatek (POL), 16. Petra Martic (CRO), 17. Elena Rybakina (KAZ), 18. Elise Mertens (BEL), 19. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE), 20. Maria Sakkari (GRE), 21. Anita Kontaveit (EST), 22. Jennifer Brady (USA), 23. Angelique Kerber (GER), 24. Alison Riske (USA), 25. Karolina Muchova (CZE), 26. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ), 27. Ons Jabeur (TUN), 28. Donna Vekic (CRO), 29. Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS), 30. Wang Qiang (CHN), 31. Zhang Shuai (CHN), 32. Veronika Kudermetova (RUS)&nbsp;

<h2> 
Australian Open 2021 DRAW:&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Men's Singles:&nbsp;</h2>

Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Jeremy Chardy (FRA)

Frances Tiafoe (USA) v Stefano Travaglia (ITA)

Reilly Opelka (USA) v Lu Yen-hsun (TPE)

Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) v Taylor Fritz (USA

Stan Wawrinka (SUI x17) v Pedro Sousa (POR)

Martin Fucsovics (HUN) v Marc Polmans AUS

Corentin Moutet (FRA) v John Millman (AUS)

Federico Coria (ARG) v Milos Raonic (CAN x14)

Gael Monfils (FRA x10) v Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN)

Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) v Pedro Martinez (ESP)

Aljaz Bedene (SLO) v Alexander Bublik (KAZ)

Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) v Dusan Lajovic (SRB x23)

Adrian Mannarino (FRA x32) v Dennis Novak (AUT)

Moimir Kecmanovic (SRB) v Kamil Majchrzak (POL)

Taro Daniel (JPN) v Maxime Cressy (USA)

Marcos Giron (USA) v Alexander Zverev (GER x6)

Dominic Thiem (AUT x3) v Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ)

Dominik Koepfer (GER) v Hugo Dellien (BOL)

Frederico Ferreira Silva (POR) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS)

Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) v Ugo Humbert (FRA x29)

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x18) v Marin Cilic (CRO)

Alex Bolt (AUS) v Norbert Gombos (SVK)

Kimmer Coppejans (BEL) v Jiri Vesely (CZE)

Kei Nishikori (JPN) v Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP x15)

Denis Shapovalov (CAN x11) v Jannik Sinner (ITA)

Yuichi Sugita (JPN) v Bernard Tomic (AUS)

Damir Dzumhur (BIH) v James Duckworth (AUS)

Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) v Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x20)&nbsp;

Benoit Paire (FRA x 25) v Egor Gerasimov (BLR)

Gianluca Mager (ITA) v Aslan Karatsev (RUS)

Federico Delbonis (ARG) v Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG)

Elias Ymer (SWE) v Diego Schwartzman (ARG x8)

Andrey Rublev (RUS x7) v Yannick Hanfmann (GER)

Thiago Monteiro (BRA) v Andrej Martin (SVK)

Li Tu (AUS) v Feliciano Lopez (ESP)

Sam Querrey (USA) v Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x31)&nbsp;

Casper Ruud (NOR x24) v Jordan Thompson (AUS)

Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) v Tommy Paul (USA)

Christopher O'Connell (AUS) v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Radu Albot (MDA) v Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x12)

David Goffin (BEL x13) v Alexei Popyrin (AUS)

Lloyd HARRIS (RSA) v Mikael Torpegaard (DEN)

Mackenzie McDonald (USA) v Marco Cecchinato (ITA)

Guido Pella (ARG) v Borna Coric (CRO x22)

Filip Krajinovic (SRB x28) v Robin Haase (NED)

Pablo Andujar (ESP) v Quentin Halys (FRA)

Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) v Attila Balazs (HUN)

Vasek Pospisil (CAN) v Daniil Medvedev (RUS x4)

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) v Gilles Simon (FRA)

Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Kwon Soon-woo (KOR)

Botic Van de Zandshhulp (NED) v Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)

Mikael Ymer (SWE) v Hubert Hurkacz (POL x26)

Karen Khachanov (RUS x19) v Aleksander Vukic (AUS)

Ricardas Berankis (LTU) v Sumit Nagal (IND)

Tomas Machac (CZE) v Mario Vilella Martinez (ESP)

Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Matteo Berrettini (ITA x9)

Fabio Fognini (ITA x16) v Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA)

Henri Laaksonen (SUI) v Salvatore Caruso (ITA)

Pablo Cuevas (URU) v Andreas Seppi (ITA)

Tennys Sandgren (USA) v Alex De Minaur (AUS x21)

Dan Evans (GBR x30) v Cameron Norrie (GBR)

Ilya Ivashka (BLR) v Roman Safiullin (RUS)

Michael Mmoh (USA) v Victor Troicki (SRB)

Laslo Djere (SRB) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x2)

<h2>Women's Singles:&nbsp;</h2>

Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) v Danka Kovinic (MNE)

Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP) v Daria Gavrilova (AUS)

Zheng Saisai (CHN) v Barbora Krejcikova (CZE)&nbsp;

Martina Trevisan (ITA) v Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS x29)

Anett Kontaveit (EST x21) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR)

Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) v Heather Watson (GBR)

Francesca Jones (GBR) v Shelby Rogers (USA)

Olga Danilovic (SRB) v Petra Martic (CRO x16)

Belinda Bencic (SUI x11) v Lauren Davis (USA)

Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) v Barbora Strycova (CZE)

Lin Zhu (CHN) v Whitney Osuigwe (USA)

Leylah Fernandez (CAN) v Elise Mertens (BEL x18)&nbsp;

Karolina Muchova (CZE x25) v Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)

Mona Barthel (GER) v Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA)

Danielle Collins (USA) v Ana Bogdan (ROM)

Jasmine Paolini (ITA) v Karolina Pliskova (CZE x6)

Sofia Kenin (USA x4) v Maddison Inglis (AUS)

Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) v Kaia Kanepi (EST)

Nadia Podoroska (ARG) v Christina McHale (USA)&nbsp;

Wang Yafan (CHN) v Donna Vekic (CRO x28)

Jennifer Brady (USA x22) v Aliona Bolsova (ESP)

Madison Brengle (USA) v Arina Rodionova (AUS)

Chloe Paquet (FRA) v Mayar Sherif (EGY)&nbsp;

Kaja Juvan (SLO) v Johanna Konta (GBR x13)

Victoria Azarenka (BLR x12) v Jessica Pegula (USA)&nbsp;

Destanee Aiava (AUS) v Samantha Stosur (AUS)

Nao Hibino (JPN) v Astra Sharma (AUS)&nbsp;

Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Maria Sakkari (GRE x20)

Yulia Putinseva (KAZ x26) v Sloane Stephens (USA)&nbsp;

Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) v Clara Burel (FRA)

Coco Gauff (USA) v Jil Teichmann (SUI)

Marie Bouzkova v Elina Svitolina (UKR x5)

Bianca Andreescu (CAN x8) v &nbsp;Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROM)

Hsieh Su-wei (TPE) v Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL)

Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) v Venus Williams (USA) 71

Sara Errani (ITA) v Wang Qiang (CHN x30)

Marketa Vondrousova (CZE x19)v Rebecca Peterson (SWE)

Rebecca Marino (CAN) v Kimberly Birrell (AUS)

Patricia Maria Tig (ROM) v Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Greet Minnen (BEL) v Petra Kvitova (CZE x9)

Garbine Muguruza (ESP x14) v Margarita Gasparayan (RUS)

Liudmila Samsonova (RUS) v Paula Badosa (ESP)

Zarina Diyas (KAZ) v Tamara Zidansek (SLO)&nbsp;

Bernarda Pera (USA) v Angelique Kerber (GER x23)

Ons Jabeur (TUN x27) v Andrea Petkovic (GER)&nbsp;

Mayo Hibi (JPN) v Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK)

Polona Hercog (SLO) v Caroline Garcia (FRA)&nbsp;

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Naomi Osaka (JPN x3)

Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x7) v Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK)

Katie Boulter (GBR) v Daria Kasatkina (RUS)

Alize Cornet (FRA) v Valeria Savinykh (RUS)&nbsp;

Ann Li (USA)v Zhang Shuai (CHN x31)

Alison Riske (USA x24) v Anastasia Potapova (RUS)

Timea Babos (HUN) v Ysaline Bonaventure (BEL)

Nina Stojanovic (SRB) v Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU)

Laura Siegemund (GER) v Serena Williams (USA x10)

Iga Swiatek (POL x15) v Arantxa Rus (NED)

Yaroslava Shedova (KAZ) v Camila Giorgi (ITA)

Fiona Ferro (FRA) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE)

Vera Zvonareva (RUS) v Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17)

Veronika Kudermetova (RUS x32) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR)

Varvara Gracheva (RUS) v Anna Blinkova (RUS)

Misaki Doi (JPN) v Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS)

Lizette Cabrera (AUS) v Simona Halep (ROM x2)

Australian Open has released its seeds and draw as the year's first Grand Slam is set to kick off on February 8 at Melbourne Park. Defending champion and world no.

Australian Open has released its seeds and draw as the year's first Grand Slam is set to kick off on February 8 at Melbourne Park. Defending champion and world no. 1 Novak Djokovic will begin his campaign against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy while reigning women's champion Sofia Kenin locks horns with wild card Maddison Inglis. ALSO READ: Furious Nick Kyrgios' smashes racquet and throws it in stands during Murray River Open Spanish ace Rafael Nadal will clash with Serbia's Laslo Djere in his opener, hoping to win the Grand Slam and overtaking Roger Federer, who has 20 major titles to his name. The Swiss star will not be playing this year due to knee injury. Women's world no. 1 Ashleigh Barty will take on Danka Kovinic in her quest to become the first homegrown singles winner at the Australian Open since 1978. American star Serena Williams, who is hopeful of record-equalling 24th Grand Slam, will take on Laura Siegemund in the opening round. SEEDS: Men's singles 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP), 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT, 4. Daniil Medvedev (RUS), 5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE), 6. Alexander Zverev (GER), 7. Andrey Rublev (RUS), 8. Diego Schwartzman (ARG), 9. Matteo Berrettini (ITA), 10. Gael Monfils (FRA), 11. Denis Shapovalov (CAN), 12. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP), 13. David Goffin (BEL), 14. Milos Raonic (CAN), 15. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP), 16. Fabio Fognini (ITA), 17. Stan Wawrinka (SUI), 18. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), 19. Karen Khachanov (RUS), 20. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN), 21. Alex de Minaur (AUS), 22. Borna Coric (CRO), 23. Dusan Lajovic (SRB), 24. Casper Ruud (NOR), 25. Benoit Paire (FRA), 26. Hubert Hurkacz (POL), 27. Taylor Fritz (USA), 28. Filip Krajinovic (SRB), 29. Ugo Humbert (FRA), Dan Evans (GBR) Women's singles 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS), 2. Simona Halep (ROU), 3. Naomi Osaka (JPN), 4. Sofia Kenin (USA), 5. Elina Svitolina (UKR), 6. Karolina Pliskova (CZE), 7. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR), 8. Bianca Andreescu (CAN), 9. Petra Kvitova (CZE), 10. Serena Williams (USA), 11. Belinda Bencic (SUI), 12. Victoria Azarenka (BLR), 13. Johanna Konta (GBR), 14. Garbine Muguruza (ESP), 15. Iga Swiatek (POL), 16. Petra Martic (CRO), 17. Elena Rybakina (KAZ), 18. Elise Mertens (BEL), 19. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE), 20. Maria Sakkari (GRE), 21. Anita Kontaveit (EST), 22. Jennifer Brady (USA), 23. Angelique Kerber (GER), 24. Alison Riske (USA), 25. Karolina Muchova (CZE), 26. Yulia Putintseva (KAZ), 27. Ons Jabeur (TUN), 28. Donna Vekic (CRO), 29. Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS), 30. Wang Qiang (CHN), 31. Zhang Shuai (CHN), 32. Veronika Kudermetova (RUS) Australian Open 2021 DRAW: Men's Singles: Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) v Jeremy Chardy (FRA) Frances Tiafoe (USA) v Stefano Travaglia (ITA) Reilly Opelka (USA) v Lu Yen-hsun (TPE) Albert Ramos-Vinolas (ESP) v Taylor Fritz (USA Stan Wawrinka (SUI x17) v Pedro Sousa (POR) Martin Fucsovics (HUN) v Marc Polmans AUS Corentin Moutet (FRA) v John Millman (AUS) Federico Coria (ARG) v Milos Raonic (CAN x14) Gael Monfils (FRA x10) v Emil Ruusuvuori (FIN) Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN) v Pedro Martinez (ESP) Aljaz Bedene (SLO) v Alexander Bublik (KAZ) Sergiy Stakhovsky (UKR) v Dusan Lajovic (SRB x23) Adrian Mannarino (FRA x32) v Dennis Novak (AUT) Moimir Kecmanovic (SRB) v Kamil Majchrzak (POL) Taro Daniel (JPN) v Maxime Cressy (USA) Marcos Giron (USA) v Alexander Zverev (GER x6) Dominic Thiem (AUT x3) v Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) Dominik Koepfer (GER) v Hugo Dellien (BOL) Frederico Ferreira Silva (POR) v Nick Kyrgios (AUS) Yasutaka Uchiyama (JPN) v Ugo Humbert (FRA x29) Grigor Dimitrov (BUL x18) v Marin Cilic (CRO) Alex Bolt (AUS) v Norbert Gombos (SVK) Kimmer Coppejans (BEL) v Jiri Vesely (CZE) Kei Nishikori (JPN) v Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP x15) Denis Shapovalov (CAN x11) v Jannik Sinner (ITA) Yuichi Sugita (JPN) v Bernard Tomic (AUS) Damir Dzumhur (BIH) v James Duckworth (AUS) Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) v Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x20) Benoit Paire (FRA x 25) v Egor Gerasimov (BLR) Gianluca Mager (ITA) v Aslan Karatsev (RUS) Federico Delbonis (ARG) v Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) Elias Ymer (SWE) v Diego Schwartzman (ARG x8) Andrey Rublev (RUS x7) v Yannick Hanfmann (GER) Thiago Monteiro (BRA) v Andrej Martin (SVK) Li Tu (AUS) v Feliciano Lopez (ESP) Sam Querrey (USA) v Lorenzo Sonego (ITA x31) Casper Ruud (NOR x24) v Jordan Thompson (AUS) Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) v Tommy Paul (USA) Christopher O'Connell (AUS) v Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) Radu Albot (MDA) v Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP x12) David Goffin (BEL x13) v Alexei Popyrin (AUS) Lloyd HARRIS (RSA) v Mikael Torpegaard (DEN) Mackenzie McDonald (USA) v Marco Cecchinato (ITA) Guido Pella (ARG) v Borna Coric (CRO x22) Filip Krajinovic (SRB x28) v Robin Haase (NED) Pablo Andujar (ESP) v Quentin Halys (FRA) Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) v Attila Balazs (HUN) Vasek Pospisil (CAN) v Daniil Medvedev (RUS x4) Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) v Gilles Simon (FRA) Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Kwon Soon-woo (KOR) Botic Van de Zandshhulp (NED) v Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) Mikael Ymer (SWE) v Hubert Hurkacz (POL x26) Karen Khachanov (RUS x19) v Aleksander Vukic (AUS) Ricardas Berankis (LTU) v Sumit Nagal (IND) Tomas Machac (CZE) v Mario Vilella Martinez (ESP) Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Matteo Berrettini (ITA x9) Fabio Fognini (ITA x16) v Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) Henri Laaksonen (SUI) v Salvatore Caruso (ITA) Pablo Cuevas (URU) v Andreas Seppi (ITA) Tennys Sandgren (USA) v Alex De Minaur (AUS x21) Dan Evans (GBR x30) v Cameron Norrie (GBR) Ilya Ivashka (BLR) v Roman Safiullin (RUS) Michael Mmoh (USA) v Victor Troicki (SRB) Laslo Djere (SRB) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) Women's Singles: Ashleigh Barty (AUS x1) v Danka Kovinic (MNE) Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP) v Daria Gavrilova (AUS) Zheng Saisai (CHN) v Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) Martina Trevisan (ITA) v Ekaterina Alexandrova (RUS x29) Anett Kontaveit (EST x21) v Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) v Heather Watson (GBR) Francesca Jones (GBR) v Shelby Rogers (USA) Olga Danilovic (SRB) v Petra Martic (CRO x16) Belinda Bencic (SUI x11) v Lauren Davis (USA) Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) v Barbora Strycova (CZE) Lin Zhu (CHN) v Whitney Osuigwe (USA) Leylah Fernandez (CAN) v Elise Mertens (BEL x18) Karolina Muchova (CZE x25) v Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) Mona Barthel (GER) v Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA) Danielle Collins (USA) v Ana Bogdan (ROM) Jasmine Paolini (ITA) v Karolina Pliskova (CZE x6) Sofia Kenin (USA x4) v Maddison Inglis (AUS) Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) v Kaia Kanepi (EST) Nadia Podoroska (ARG) v Christina McHale (USA) Wang Yafan (CHN) v Donna Vekic (CRO x28) Jennifer Brady (USA x22) v Aliona Bolsova (ESP) Madison Brengle (USA) v Arina Rodionova (AUS) Chloe Paquet (FRA) v Mayar Sherif (EGY) Kaja Juvan (SLO) v Johanna Konta (GBR x13) Victoria Azarenka (BLR x12) v Jessica Pegula (USA) Destanee Aiava (AUS) v Samantha Stosur (AUS) Nao Hibino (JPN) v Astra Sharma (AUS) Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) v Maria Sakkari (GRE x20) Yulia Putinseva (KAZ x26) v Sloane Stephens (USA) Alison Van Uytvanck (BEL) v Clara Burel (FRA) Coco Gauff (USA) v Jil Teichmann (SUI) Marie Bouzkova v Elina Svitolina (UKR x5) Bianca Andreescu (CAN x8) v Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROM) Hsieh Su-wei (TPE) v Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) v Venus Williams (USA) 71 Sara Errani (ITA) v Wang Qiang (CHN x30) Marketa Vondrousova (CZE x19)v Rebecca Peterson (SWE) Rebecca Marino (CAN) v Kimberly Birrell (AUS) Patricia Maria Tig (ROM) v Sorana Cirstea (ROU) Greet Minnen (BEL) v Petra Kvitova (CZE x9) Garbine Muguruza (ESP x14) v Margarita Gasparayan (RUS) Liudmila Samsonova (RUS) v Paula Badosa (ESP) Zarina Diyas (KAZ) v Tamara Zidansek (SLO) Bernarda Pera (USA) v Angelique Kerber (GER x23) Ons Jabeur (TUN x27) v Andrea Petkovic (GER) Mayo Hibi (JPN) v Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (SVK) Polona Hercog (SLO) v Caroline Garcia (FRA) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Naomi Osaka (JPN x3) Aryna Sabalenka (BLR x7) v Viktoria Kuzmova (SVK) Katie Boulter (GBR) v Daria Kasatkina (RUS) Alize Cornet (FRA) v Valeria Savinykh (RUS) Ann Li (USA)v Zhang Shuai (CHN x31) Alison Riske (USA x24) v Anastasia Potapova (RUS) Timea Babos (HUN) v Ysaline Bonaventure (BEL) Nina Stojanovic (SRB) v Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) Laura Siegemund (GER) v Serena Williams (USA x10) Iga Swiatek (POL x15) v Arantxa Rus (NED) Yaroslava Shedova (KAZ) v Camila Giorgi (ITA) Fiona Ferro (FRA) v Katerina Siniakova (CZE) Vera Zvonareva (RUS) v Elena Rybakina (KAZ x17) Veronika Kudermetova (RUS x32) v Marta Kostyuk (UKR) Varvara Gracheva (RUS) v Anna Blinkova (RUS) Misaki Doi (JPN) v Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) Lizette Cabrera (AUS) v Simona Halep (ROM x2)

Australian Open 2021 Draw: Novak Djokovic faces Chardy as Sofia Kenin meets Inglis

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said he was "absolutely confident" the tournament will start next week despite a fresh coronavirus case that halted warm-up tournaments and forced hundreds of players and officials into isolation on Thursday.

The case, a worker at one of the Melbourne tournament's designated quarantine hotels, has caused yet more chaos before the year's first tennis Grand Slam, which has already been delayed three weeks over coronavirus problems.

But Tiley said the Australian Open would start as scheduled on Monday, and that there were no plans to cancel. Play was suspended at six warm-up tournaments in Melbourne on Thursday.

"We're absolutely confident the Australian Open will go ahead," Tiley told reporters. "The plan is to continue to play tomorrow as planned. If we have to go through this again, we'll go through this again.

"We have three-and-a-half weeks of tennis to play and we'll go in as scheduled."

The incident highlights the difficulty of holding large-scale, international sports events during the pandemic, as officials wrestle over how to safely hold this year's Tokyo Olympics. &nbsp;

Health officials insisted the risk to players and officials, who queued up for coronavirus tests on Thursday, was "low".

Victoria state Health Minister Martin Foley said the 520 people ordered to isolate and get tested were casual contacts, stressing "we are not as concerned about them".

"But out of an abundance of caution we want to ensure we leave no stone unturned in how we follow up and deal with anybody who may have had contact with this individual," he said.

Dedicated facilities were set up to ensure they all get tested quickly, with results often returned within 24 hours.

The Australian Open draw, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, has been pushed back by a day.

<h2>- Formula One fiasco -</h2>

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka were reportedly among those affected by the mini-lockdown although the biggest names of the game, including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, were not among those isolated as they spent their mandatory 14-day quarantine in Adelaide.

More than 1,000 players, coaches and officials flew into largely virus-free Australia last month, sparking debate over the whether the tournament should be held during a coronavirus pandemic.

Aggressive restrictions on incoming travel have meant Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in dealing with the pandemic and one of the few still able to have spectators at sports events.

Daily crowds of between 25,000 and 30,000 are expected at the Australian Open.

Earlier, Victoria state opposition leader Michael O'Brien demanded a definitive call on the Australian Open within 48 hours.

"We don't want to see a situation as we did with the Grand Prix, where crowds were literally turning up, only to be turned away," the Melbourne Herald Sun quoted O'Brien as saying.

"I think people are entitled to know what's happening, and the government should be making their minds up in the next 24 to 48 hours."

Last year's Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, the traditional season curtain-raiser, was cancelled just hours before the first practice session after a McLaren team member tested positive.

The late decision left fans fuming as they queued to get in.

While resentment has been bubbling on social media over whether the tournament should go ahead, opinions were mixed on the streets near Melbourne Park, the Australian Open venue.&nbsp;

"I'm just disappointed because the Australian Open seemed from the beginning about profits and not the safety of the public," said John Reilly, echoing some of the online sentiment.&nbsp;

But Melbourne resident Greg Rodgers said the two-week spectacle represented a "return to normalcy".

Victoria had gone 28 days without a locally acquired infection before the latest case, which prompted a tightening of restrictions around wearing masks.

State authorities are extremely wary of coronavirus cases after Melbourne spent four months in lockdown until late October.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said he was "absolutely confident" the tournament will start next week despite a fresh coronavirus case that halted warm-up tournaments and forced hundreds of players and officials into isolation on Thursday.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said he was "absolutely confident" the tournament will start next week despite a fresh coronavirus case that halted warm-up tournaments and forced hundreds of players and officials into isolation on Thursday. The case, a worker at one of the Melbourne tournament's designated quarantine hotels, has caused yet more chaos before the year's first tennis Grand Slam, which has already been delayed three weeks over coronavirus problems. But Tiley said the Australian Open would start as scheduled on Monday, and that there were no plans to cancel. Play was suspended at six warm-up tournaments in Melbourne on Thursday. "We're absolutely confident the Australian Open will go ahead," Tiley told reporters. "The plan is to continue to play tomorrow as planned. If we have to go through this again, we'll go through this again. "We have three-and-a-half weeks of tennis to play and we'll go in as scheduled." The incident highlights the difficulty of holding large-scale, international sports events during the pandemic, as officials wrestle over how to safely hold this year's Tokyo Olympics. Health officials insisted the risk to players and officials, who queued up for coronavirus tests on Thursday, was "low". Victoria state Health Minister Martin Foley said the 520 people ordered to isolate and get tested were casual contacts, stressing "we are not as concerned about them". "But out of an abundance of caution we want to ensure we leave no stone unturned in how we follow up and deal with anybody who may have had contact with this individual," he said. Dedicated facilities were set up to ensure they all get tested quickly, with results often returned within 24 hours. The Australian Open draw, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday, has been pushed back by a day. - Formula One fiasco - Stefanos Tsitsipas and Stan Wawrinka were reportedly among those affected by the mini-lockdown although the biggest names of the game, including Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, were not among those isolated as they spent their mandatory 14-day quarantine in Adelaide. More than 1,000 players, coaches and officials flew into largely virus-free Australia last month, sparking debate over the whether the tournament should be held during a coronavirus pandemic. Aggressive restrictions on incoming travel have meant Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in dealing with the pandemic and one of the few still able to have spectators at sports events. Daily crowds of between 25,000 and 30,000 are expected at the Australian Open. Earlier, Victoria state opposition leader Michael O'Brien demanded a definitive call on the Australian Open within 48 hours. "We don't want to see a situation as we did with the Grand Prix, where crowds were literally turning up, only to be turned away," the Melbourne Herald Sun quoted O'Brien as saying. "I think people are entitled to know what's happening, and the government should be making their minds up in the next 24 to 48 hours." Last year's Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne, the traditional season curtain-raiser, was cancelled just hours before the first practice session after a McLaren team member tested positive. The late decision left fans fuming as they queued to get in. While resentment has been bubbling on social media over whether the tournament should go ahead, opinions were mixed on the streets near Melbourne Park, the Australian Open venue. "I'm just disappointed because the Australian Open seemed from the beginning about profits and not the safety of the public," said John Reilly, echoing some of the online sentiment. But Melbourne resident Greg Rodgers said the two-week spectacle represented a "return to normalcy". Victoria had gone 28 days without a locally acquired infection before the latest case, which prompted a tightening of restrictions around wearing masks. State authorities are extremely wary of coronavirus cases after Melbourne spent four months in lockdown until late October.

Australian Open boss 'confident' event will go ahead despite Covid case

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. 
 
Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam. 
 
"It`s not that I`m in a really bad way, but I`m also not alright in the sense that I can`t play either," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar+. 
 
"I`ve improved a little but I`m not in a position where I can go and play a game at full intensity." 
 
Nadal`s name was also absent from Spain`s ATP Cup tie on Friday against Greece at Melbourne Park`s John Cain Arena with Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta to lead the challenge in the singles matches for last year`s finalists. 
 
The 34-year-old practised for an hour on Thursday evening at the Rod Laver Arena and his fitness was improving "little by little, step by step", sources close to Nadal told Reuters. 
 
The Spaniard was one of the top players who quarantined in Adelaide for 14 days after their arrival Down Under and were allowed five hours a day to train during the mandatory isolation. 
 
He then defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-4 on Friday in an exhibition match between the men`s world number two and three at Adelaide`s Memorial Drive Tennis Club. 
 
Nadal sits level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and, with the Swiss not taking part in Melbourne after knee surgery, the Spaniard would have the chance to become the all-time major record holder in the men`s game for the first time. 
 
He insisted, however, that that was not something he was focused on. "First things first, and that`s to play the Australian Open, and if that doesn`t go well, the season goes on," he said. 
 
"I`ve never been obsessed with Grand Slams, truth be told." 
 
The 14-day quarantine and lack of competitive matches ahead of the Grand Slam could prove problematic for Nadal, feels Mats Wilander, who won three out of his seven major titles at Melbourne Park. 
 
"That`s a worry for sure, he would want to play maybe a couple of matches. That`s kind of scary I think for him," Eurosport expert Wilander told Reuters this week. 
 
"I don`t remember him having back problems before. He`s not young any more."

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam.

World number two Rafa Nadal on Thursday said doubts remain over his fitness ahead of next week`s Australian Open. Nadal pulled out of Spain`s ATP Cup tie against Australia on Tuesday with a lower back problem and, despite some improvement, said he was still far away from the level required to play at the year`s first Grand Slam. "It`s not that I`m in a really bad way, but I`m also not alright in the sense that I can`t play either," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar+. "I`ve improved a little but I`m not in a position where I can go and play a game at full intensity." Nadal`s name was also absent from Spain`s ATP Cup tie on Friday against Greece at Melbourne Park`s John Cain Arena with Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreno Busta to lead the challenge in the singles matches for last year`s finalists. The 34-year-old practised for an hour on Thursday evening at the Rod Laver Arena and his fitness was improving "little by little, step by step", sources close to Nadal told Reuters. The Spaniard was one of the top players who quarantined in Adelaide for 14 days after their arrival Down Under and were allowed five hours a day to train during the mandatory isolation. He then defeated Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-4 on Friday in an exhibition match between the men`s world number two and three at Adelaide`s Memorial Drive Tennis Club. Nadal sits level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles and, with the Swiss not taking part in Melbourne after knee surgery, the Spaniard would have the chance to become the all-time major record holder in the men`s game for the first time. He insisted, however, that that was not something he was focused on. "First things first, and that`s to play the Australian Open, and if that doesn`t go well, the season goes on," he said. "I`ve never been obsessed with Grand Slams, truth be told." The 14-day quarantine and lack of competitive matches ahead of the Grand Slam could prove problematic for Nadal, feels Mats Wilander, who won three out of his seven major titles at Melbourne Park. "That`s a worry for sure, he would want to play maybe a couple of matches. That`s kind of scary I think for him," Eurosport expert Wilander told Reuters this week. "I don`t remember him having back problems before. He`s not young any more."

Nadal continues to struggle with back problem ahead of Australian Open

French Open champion Iga Swiatek saw the 14-day quarantine period as a source of relief allowing her to escape the limelight that followed her Roland Garros triumph last year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-willing-to-spend-two-more-weeks-in-quarantine-to-play-in-the-olympics-360404" hreflang="en">Naomi Osaka willing to spend two more weeks in quarantine to play in the Olympics</a>

Swiatek became an overnight celebrity in Poland after winning the French Open. The 19-year-old was bombarded with sponsorship deals and a deluge of media requests.&nbsp;

The 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open comes as a sigh of relief for the Polish ace as she could practice and could go out by herself.&nbsp;

"During quarantine, I could practice and I could go out for five hours a day. I was one of the lucky ones," Swiatek said. "It was okay. I mean, after all the fuss that was in Poland, it was nice to be in another place, rest, focus on working.

"Obviously I sometimes needed to go out, to breathe some fresh air, but I couldn't do that. It's not a problem. I'm really glad that we have a chance to play, to do what we love."

The world number 54 came under limelight after she became the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles in 1992. Talking about her newly-found celebrity status, Swiatek said: "It's not bothering. It's nice." &nbsp;

"Right now I feel like there are more eyes on me," she said.

"I don't feel more pressure than before. I'm trying to keep my expectations low," she added.

(Inputs from Reuters)

French Open champion Iga Swiatek saw the 14-day quarantine period as a source of relief allowing her to escape the limelight that followed her Roland Garros triumph last year.

French Open champion Iga Swiatek saw the 14-day quarantine period as a source of relief allowing her to escape the limelight that followed her Roland Garros triumph last year. ALSO READ: Naomi Osaka willing to spend two more weeks in quarantine to play in the Olympics Swiatek became an overnight celebrity in Poland after winning the French Open. The 19-year-old was bombarded with sponsorship deals and a deluge of media requests. The 14-day quarantine before the Australian Open comes as a sigh of relief for the Polish ace as she could practice and could go out by herself. "During quarantine, I could practice and I could go out for five hours a day. I was one of the lucky ones," Swiatek said. "It was okay. I mean, after all the fuss that was in Poland, it was nice to be in another place, rest, focus on working. "Obviously I sometimes needed to go out, to breathe some fresh air, but I couldn't do that. It's not a problem. I'm really glad that we have a chance to play, to do what we love." The world number 54 came under limelight after she became the youngest woman to win the French Open since Monica Seles in 1992. Talking about her newly-found celebrity status, Swiatek said: "It's not bothering. It's nice." "Right now I feel like there are more eyes on me," she said. "I don't feel more pressure than before. I'm trying to keep my expectations low," she added. (Inputs from Reuters)

'I could practice and I could go out for five hours': Iga Swiatek on 14-day quarantine

World number one Novak Djokovic pulled out of an Adelaide exhibition because of a blistered hand on Friday before appearing on court to play a set after all, helping his compatriot Filip Krajinovic beat Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic was scheduled to kick off the "Day at the Drive" event in front of a crowd of 4,000 at Adelaide's Memorial Drive Tennis Club but pulled out minutes before he was due on court and was replaced by Krajinovic.

After his practice partner had won the first set, however, Djokovic bounded into the arena and proceeded to wrap up a 6-3 6-3 win over the Italian teenager.

"I'm sorry that I didn't step in on the court from the beginning," said Djokovic, who was celebrating his first day of freedom after 14 days in quarantine.

"I had to do some treatment with my physio, I wasn't feeling my best for the last two days and I didn't know how I was going to react."

Djokovic looked to be largely unhindered by the nasty-looking blister on the palm of his right hand.

"It's not easy but it's part of what we do, we're professional athletes, we learn over the years to play with the pain," he added.

"It's just a case of whether that pain is bearable or not. Obviously, coming off a hard training block and having the ATP Cup and Australian Open coming up you don't want to risk it too much."

Djokovic and Krajinovic will join forces again in the Serbia team defending the ATP Cup in Melbourne next week before the former launches his bid for a ninth Australian Open title on Feb. 8.

Serena Williams beat Naomi Osaka 6-2 2-6 (10-7) in a 'super breaker' in the second match with both players united in their excitement at playing in front of fans.

"We haven't played in front of a crowd in over a year so it's been a really long time," said Williams, who has been isolating with her 3-year-old daughter.

"We were so happy just to be here. Now it's worth it."

Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Simona Halep are all scheduled to play later matches after also coming out of quarantine. Women's world number one Ash Barty takes on Halep in the final match of the day.

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

World number one Novak Djokovic pulled out of an Adelaide exhibition because of a blistered hand on Friday before appearing on court to play a set after all, helping his compatriot Filip Krajinovic beat Jannik Sinner. Djokovic was scheduled to kick off the "Day at the Drive" event in front of a crowd of 4,000 at Adelaide's Memorial Drive Tennis Club but pulled out minutes before he was due on court and was replaced by Krajinovic. After his practice partner had won the first set, however, Djokovic bounded into the arena and proceeded to wrap up a 6-3 6-3 win over the Italian teenager. "I'm sorry that I didn't step in on the court from the beginning," said Djokovic, who was celebrating his first day of freedom after 14 days in quarantine. "I had to do some treatment with my physio, I wasn't feeling my best for the last two days and I didn't know how I was going to react." Djokovic looked to be largely unhindered by the nasty-looking blister on the palm of his right hand. "It's not easy but it's part of what we do, we're professional athletes, we learn over the years to play with the pain," he added. "It's just a case of whether that pain is bearable or not. Obviously, coming off a hard training block and having the ATP Cup and Australian Open coming up you don't want to risk it too much." Djokovic and Krajinovic will join forces again in the Serbia team defending the ATP Cup in Melbourne next week before the former launches his bid for a ninth Australian Open title on Feb. 8. Serena Williams beat Naomi Osaka 6-2 2-6 (10-7) in a 'super breaker' in the second match with both players united in their excitement at playing in front of fans. "We haven't played in front of a crowd in over a year so it's been a really long time," said Williams, who has been isolating with her 3-year-old daughter. "We were so happy just to be here. Now it's worth it." Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Simona Halep are all scheduled to play later matches after also coming out of quarantine. Women's world number one Ash Barty takes on Halep in the final match of the day.

Out then in, Djokovic plays a set in Adelaide exhibition

Spain's tennis federation (RFET) on Saturday apologised to Tennis Australia (TA) after complaining about the treatment of two Spanish players in quarantine before next month's Australian Open.

More than 70 players have been confined to their rooms after some passengers on three charter flights that brought them to Australia tested positive for the new coronavirus. Other players are able to train for up to five hours a day.

"We apologise to TA if our statement has at any time been interpreted as a criticism of their working methods, nothing is further from our intention," RFET said in a statement.

The federation had said on Thursday said two players - Mario Vilella and Carlos Alcaraz - had not been informed they would be strictly confined if they were on a flight with someone who tested positive "regardless of the physical proximity".

In the earlier statement, it said it was clear the duo would not be able to compete on "equal terms" at the major and the confinement could result in physical and psychological harm.

On Saturday RFET said its intention had been "to request the Australian Open, with the utmost respect for their skills, the possibility of exploring safe training options for Spanish players affected by isolation for 14 days."

"This initiative is based on good faith and in no way calls into question the actions of the Australian Government or the Australian Open."

On Saturday, there were three new cases recorded among international arrivals in hotel quarantine in Victoria. It was not made clear whether the new cases were linked to the Australian Open.

Spain's Paula Badosa on Thursday became the first player who had entered for the Grand Slam to confirm a positive test.

"The RFET thanks TA for the effort to organise, in these difficult moments due to the pandemic, the first Grand Slam of the season, something vital for our players who are going to compete again and generate resources," RFET added.

The Australian Open begins on Feb. 8 in Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria.

Spain's tennis federation (RFET) on Saturday apologised to Tennis Australia (TA) after complaining about the treatment of two Spanish players in quarantine before next month's Australian Open.

Spain's tennis federation (RFET) on Saturday apologised to Tennis Australia (TA) after complaining about the treatment of two Spanish players in quarantine before next month's Australian Open. More than 70 players have been confined to their rooms after some passengers on three charter flights that brought them to Australia tested positive for the new coronavirus. Other players are able to train for up to five hours a day. "We apologise to TA if our statement has at any time been interpreted as a criticism of their working methods, nothing is further from our intention," RFET said in a statement. The federation had said on Thursday said two players - Mario Vilella and Carlos Alcaraz - had not been informed they would be strictly confined if they were on a flight with someone who tested positive "regardless of the physical proximity". In the earlier statement, it said it was clear the duo would not be able to compete on "equal terms" at the major and the confinement could result in physical and psychological harm. On Saturday RFET said its intention had been "to request the Australian Open, with the utmost respect for their skills, the possibility of exploring safe training options for Spanish players affected by isolation for 14 days." "This initiative is based on good faith and in no way calls into question the actions of the Australian Government or the Australian Open." On Saturday, there were three new cases recorded among international arrivals in hotel quarantine in Victoria. It was not made clear whether the new cases were linked to the Australian Open. Spain's Paula Badosa on Thursday became the first player who had entered for the Grand Slam to confirm a positive test. "The RFET thanks TA for the effort to organise, in these difficult moments due to the pandemic, the first Grand Slam of the season, something vital for our players who are going to compete again and generate resources," RFET added. The Australian Open begins on Feb. 8 in Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria.

Spanish federation apologises to Tennis Australia over player quarantine

World number one Ash Barty is itching to get back to competitive tennis at the Australian Open but has poured cold water on the idea that she might be set to end the 43-year wait for a homegrown women's champion.

Barty reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park for the first time last year before sitting out most of the rest of the season at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 24-year-old remains Australia's best hope of singles success when the year's first Grand Slam starts on Feb. 8 but Barty urged her compatriots not to get their hopes up.

"They can think whatever they like. If they expect me to win the tournament, then that's their expectations," Barty told the Australian Associated Press on Saturday.

"But mine certainly aren't that for now. It's about doing the right things right from the start, from the very first match. If it's good enough, it is. And if it's not, it's not. But that's OK."

Barty last played a tournament match at the Qatar Open last February, deciding to remain at home in the relative safety of Queensland rather than travel to New York for the U.S. Open or to Paris for her French Open title defence.

"Obviously I haven't played competition tennis for a year now so it's going to be a challenge but we also know that hopefully again it will be a long season and we don't have to panic if we don't get the perfect start," she added.

"We'll just try and go out there and do the best that we can and whatever happens will happen. I feel ready to go and I'm just itching to get started."

Barty did not need to quarantine before the Australian Open and will play an exhibition event in Adelaide on Friday before returning to Melbourne for the Grand Slam.

World number one Ash Barty is itching to get back to competitive tennis at the Australian Open but has poured cold water on the idea that she might be set to end the 43-year wait for a homegrown women's champion.

World number one Ash Barty is itching to get back to competitive tennis at the Australian Open but has poured cold water on the idea that she might be set to end the 43-year wait for a homegrown women's champion. Barty reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park for the first time last year before sitting out most of the rest of the season at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 24-year-old remains Australia's best hope of singles success when the year's first Grand Slam starts on Feb. 8 but Barty urged her compatriots not to get their hopes up. "They can think whatever they like. If they expect me to win the tournament, then that's their expectations," Barty told the Australian Associated Press on Saturday. "But mine certainly aren't that for now. It's about doing the right things right from the start, from the very first match. If it's good enough, it is. And if it's not, it's not. But that's OK." Barty last played a tournament match at the Qatar Open last February, deciding to remain at home in the relative safety of Queensland rather than travel to New York for the U.S. Open or to Paris for her French Open title defence. "Obviously I haven't played competition tennis for a year now so it's going to be a challenge but we also know that hopefully again it will be a long season and we don't have to panic if we don't get the perfect start," she added. "We'll just try and go out there and do the best that we can and whatever happens will happen. I feel ready to go and I'm just itching to get started." Barty did not need to quarantine before the Australian Open and will play an exhibition event in Adelaide on Friday before returning to Melbourne for the Grand Slam.

World no. 1 Ash Barty itching to get started at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday lashed out at the criticism of his letter to Australian Open chief Craig Tiley in which the Serb suggested easing of COVID-19 quarantine restriction as&nbsp;the world number one tennis star said his intentions were "misconstrued”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 72 players have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days and are unable to train for the Grand Slam which is scheduled to be held from February 8-21. The move to quarantine the players come after passengers on three charter flights&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;them&nbsp;to Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Djokovic, according to reports, asked Tiley for reduced isolation periods while moving players in hard quarantine to&nbsp;"private houses with tennis courts". The development received staunch criticism from Australians.&nbsp;

However, Tiley confirmed that they were suggestions and not demands by Djokovic.&nbsp;

"My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful,"&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;who is isolating in Adelaide along with other top players, said in a lengthy statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-players-test-positive-in-new-australian-open-blow-357802" hreflang="en">Two players test positive in new Australian Open blow</a>&nbsp;

"This couldn't be farther from the truth.&nbsp;

"... at times when I see the aftermath of things, I do tend to ask myself if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits instead of paying attention to other people's struggles."&nbsp;

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Tennis coach Daniel&nbsp;Vallverdy&nbsp;told Reuters that players in hard quarantine should get prime practice times and matches scheduled in cooler hours of the matchday.&nbsp;

Former Australian tennis player Sam Groth had accused Djokovic's letter as a&nbsp;"selfish political move" while&nbsp;Aussie tennis star&nbsp;Nick Kyrgios called the Serbian a "tool".&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I've earned my privileges the hard way... it is very difficult for me to be a mere onlooker knowing how much every help, gesture, and good word mattered to me when I was small and insignificant in the world pecking order,"&nbsp;the Serbian ace&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

"Hence, I use my position of privilege to be of service as much as I can where and when needed."&nbsp;

&nbsp;Djokovic went on to express his gratitude towards the Australian government and Australian Open&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;to allow the players to participate amid the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Things in the media escalated and there was a general impression that the players (including myself) are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in quarantine," he added.&nbsp;

"I am very sorry that it has come to that because I do know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete. Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is really not easy.&nbsp;

"None of us ever questioned 14 days of quarantine despite what is being said by media outlets."&nbsp;

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

Novak Djokovic on Wednesday lashed out at the criticism of his letter to Australian Open chief Craig Tiley in which the Serb suggested easing of COVID-19 quarantine restriction as the world number one tennis star said his intentions were "misconstrued”. A total of 72 players have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days and are unable to train for the Grand Slam which is scheduled to be held from February 8-21. The move to quarantine the players come after passengers on three charter flights carrying them to Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus. Djokovic, according to reports, asked Tiley for reduced isolation periods while moving players in hard quarantine to "private houses with tennis courts". The development received staunch criticism from Australians. However, Tiley confirmed that they were suggestions and not demands by Djokovic. "My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful," Djokovic who is isolating in Adelaide along with other top players, said in a lengthy statement. ALSO READ: Two players test positive in new Australian Open blow "This couldn't be farther from the truth. "... at times when I see the aftermath of things, I do tend to ask myself if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits instead of paying attention to other people's struggles." pic.twitter.com/YbGDYWL7Yf — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 20, 2021 × Tennis coach Daniel Vallverdy told Reuters that players in hard quarantine should get prime practice times and matches scheduled in cooler hours of the matchday. Former Australian tennis player Sam Groth had accused Djokovic's letter as a "selfish political move" while Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios called the Serbian a "tool". "I've earned my privileges the hard way... it is very difficult for me to be a mere onlooker knowing how much every help, gesture, and good word mattered to me when I was small and insignificant in the world pecking order," the Serbian ace said. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 "Hence, I use my position of privilege to be of service as much as I can where and when needed." Djokovic went on to express his gratitude towards the Australian government and Australian Open organisers to allow the players to participate amid the pandemic. "Things in the media escalated and there was a general impression that the players (including myself) are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in quarantine," he added. "I am very sorry that it has come to that because I do know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete. Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is really not easy. "None of us ever questioned 14 days of quarantine despite what is being said by media outlets."

Novak Djokovic lashes out at critics over Australian Open quarantine stance

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic.

Kyrgios joined a wave of criticism of the Serb for reportedly issuing a list of demands for quarantined players who have arrived in Melbourne and Adelaide on chartered flights.

The arrival of more than 1,000 players and staff, including four people who tested positive, has raised hackles in a country which is largely coronavirus-free, and especially in Melbourne which came out of a four-month lockdown in October.

"Djokovic is a tool," Kyrgios tweeted, after the Serb led a chorus of player complaints about conditions in locked-down hotel rooms.&nbsp;

At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after coronavirus cases were detected on their charter flights into the country.&nbsp;

Others are allowed out of their rooms for up to five hours a day to train under strictly-controlled conditions.

The 33-year-old Serb and reigning Australian Open champion is among several stars -- others include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- who were allowed to fly into Adelaide where they enjoy better facilities such as balconies on their hotel rooms, unlike the majority in Melbourne, the Australian Open's host city.

But Djokovic reportedly issued a list of demands in a letter to Tennis Australia that included moving quarantined players into private homes with tennis courts and getting them better meals.&nbsp;

Australian media zeroed in on the demands, portraying them as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and rideshares in Australia.

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews smashed back Djokovic's demands. "There's no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn't treat you specially, so neither do we," he said on Monday.

In Australia many are also questioning why the players and staff were flown in for the event, when tens of thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas.

Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine.

"I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios said on Twitter.

Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past.&nbsp;

Last year, the 17-time major champion organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal.

He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena.

Despite the controversies, the Australian Open is due to begin in Melbourne on February 8, having already been delayed three weeks.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios dismissed world number one Novak Djokovic as a "tool" as a backlash grew against tennis players flown in for the Australian Open during a raging pandemic. Kyrgios joined a wave of criticism of the Serb for reportedly issuing a list of demands for quarantined players who have arrived in Melbourne and Adelaide on chartered flights. The arrival of more than 1,000 players and staff, including four people who tested positive, has raised hackles in a country which is largely coronavirus-free, and especially in Melbourne which came out of a four-month lockdown in October. "Djokovic is a tool," Kyrgios tweeted, after the Serb led a chorus of player complaints about conditions in locked-down hotel rooms. At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after coronavirus cases were detected on their charter flights into the country. Others are allowed out of their rooms for up to five hours a day to train under strictly-controlled conditions. The 33-year-old Serb and reigning Australian Open champion is among several stars -- others include Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- who were allowed to fly into Adelaide where they enjoy better facilities such as balconies on their hotel rooms, unlike the majority in Melbourne, the Australian Open's host city. But Djokovic reportedly issued a list of demands in a letter to Tennis Australia that included moving quarantined players into private homes with tennis courts and getting them better meals. Australian media zeroed in on the demands, portraying them as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and rideshares in Australia. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews smashed back Djokovic's demands. "There's no special treatment here. Because the virus doesn't treat you specially, so neither do we," he said on Monday. In Australia many are also questioning why the players and staff were flown in for the event, when tens of thousands of Australians remain stranded overseas. Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine. "I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios said on Twitter. Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past. Last year, the 17-time major champion organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal. He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena. Despite the controversies, the Australian Open is due to begin in Melbourne on February 8, having already been delayed three weeks.

Kyrgios slams 'tool' Djokovic as Australian Open tensions run high

Two Australian Open tennis players have tested positive for the coronavirus, health officials said on Tuesday, in a new blow for the tournament which is facing a backlash from a wary public.

The unnamed players were among three new cases -- a woman in her 20s and two men in their 30s -- taking the tournament's cluster to seven, Victoria state's health authority said.

More than 1,000 players and staff are in quarantine after arriving last week in Australia, which is largely coronavirus-free. Three of the 17 charter flights had positive cases on board.

The delayed Grand Slam has proved an enormous undertaking and is provoking disquiet among Australians, especially in host city Melbourne which emerged from a four-month lockdown in October.

Player complaints about quarantine have raised hackles further and Australia's Nick Kyrgios led criticism of world number one Novak Djokovic for requesting improved conditions.

"Djokovic is a tool," tweeted Kyrgios, the world number 47.

World number 13 Roberto Bautista Agut also told a TV station that quarantine was like prison "with wifi", calling the arrangements a "complete disaster".

However, tournament organisers insisted most players accepted their isolation without complaint.

"Actually embarrassed to be a tennis player these days," tweeted Australia's Arina Rodionova, while two-time Australian Open winner Viktoria Azarenka asked her fellow competitors for "cooperation, understanding and empathy for the local community".

At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after cases were detected on their charter flights.

The others can train for up to five hours a day under strictly controlled conditions. A series of warm-up events will be held after the quarantine period, before the Australian Open starts on February 8.

Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, is among a select group of stars -- including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- flown into Adelaide to enjoy better facilities such as hotel rooms with balconies, unlike the majority quarantining in Melbourne.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion sent a letter to Tennis Australia that reportedly called for players to be moved into private homes with tennis courts and get better meals, among other requests.&nbsp;

Australian media portrayed the letter as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and ride-shares in Australia.

<h2>- 'Ridiculous scenes' -</h2>

However, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended Djokovic, saying his letter merely contained "suggestions and ideas", not demands.

Tiley said Australia's strict quarantine rules were initially a "shock" to some players but most had told him during a conference call that they accepted the restrictions and wanted to apologise for the comments of a disgruntled few.

"The majority of the players have been absolutely fantastic and this is a playing group that's a little bit upset with what some others have said because it holds them in a bad light in the community," Tiley told reporters.

He also ruled out cutting the maximum duration of men's matches from five sets to three to help players whose preparation had been compromised by quarantine lockdown.

"We haven't entertained those comments or that position," he said.

Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine.

"I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios tweeted.

Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past.&nbsp;

Last year, he organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal.

He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena.

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

Two Australian Open tennis players have tested positive for the coronavirus, health officials said on Tuesday, in a new blow for the tournament which is facing a backlash from a wary public. The unnamed players were among three new cases -- a woman in her 20s and two men in their 30s -- taking the tournament's cluster to seven, Victoria state's health authority said. More than 1,000 players and staff are in quarantine after arriving last week in Australia, which is largely coronavirus-free. Three of the 17 charter flights had positive cases on board. The delayed Grand Slam has proved an enormous undertaking and is provoking disquiet among Australians, especially in host city Melbourne which emerged from a four-month lockdown in October. Player complaints about quarantine have raised hackles further and Australia's Nick Kyrgios led criticism of world number one Novak Djokovic for requesting improved conditions. "Djokovic is a tool," tweeted Kyrgios, the world number 47. World number 13 Roberto Bautista Agut also told a TV station that quarantine was like prison "with wifi", calling the arrangements a "complete disaster". However, tournament organisers insisted most players accepted their isolation without complaint. "Actually embarrassed to be a tennis player these days," tweeted Australia's Arina Rodionova, while two-time Australian Open winner Viktoria Azarenka asked her fellow competitors for "cooperation, understanding and empathy for the local community". At least 72 players have been barred from leaving their rooms for two weeks after cases were detected on their charter flights. The others can train for up to five hours a day under strictly controlled conditions. A series of warm-up events will be held after the quarantine period, before the Australian Open starts on February 8. Djokovic, the reigning Australian Open champion, is among a select group of stars -- including Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal -- flown into Adelaide to enjoy better facilities such as hotel rooms with balconies, unlike the majority quarantining in Melbourne. The 17-time Grand Slam champion sent a letter to Tennis Australia that reportedly called for players to be moved into private homes with tennis courts and get better meals, among other requests. Australian media portrayed the letter as petulant and selfish, while showing images of Djokovic not wearing a mask in a players' minibus, which would be required in most taxis and ride-shares in Australia. - 'Ridiculous scenes' - However, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended Djokovic, saying his letter merely contained "suggestions and ideas", not demands. Tiley said Australia's strict quarantine rules were initially a "shock" to some players but most had told him during a conference call that they accepted the restrictions and wanted to apologise for the comments of a disgruntled few. "The majority of the players have been absolutely fantastic and this is a playing group that's a little bit upset with what some others have said because it holds them in a bad light in the community," Tiley told reporters. He also ruled out cutting the maximum duration of men's matches from five sets to three to help players whose preparation had been compromised by quarantine lockdown. "We haven't entertained those comments or that position," he said. Meanwhile Kyrgios also took aim at fellow Australian player Bernard Tomic's girlfriend, Vanessa Sierra, after she complained in an online video about cold food and having to wash her own hair in quarantine. "I don't mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes," Kyrgios tweeted. Djokovic's actions around the tournament are being closely watched, in part due to his seeming nonchalance about the virus in the past. Last year, he organised a series of exhibition events in the Balkans at which social distancing was minimal. He and several other players later tested positive for the virus, as well as his wife Jelena.

Two players test positive in new Australian Open blow

Australian Open officials on Monday confirmed that four more participants, including an athlete, tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Melbourne.&nbsp;

"All four are associated with the tennis, and they're all tucked away safely in hotel quarantine," Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters of the new cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-to-plough-ahead-despite-players-quarantine-anger-357319" hreflang="en">Australian Open to plough ahead despite players' quarantine anger</a>

According to Health Authorities in Victoria state, nine infections have been reported among passengers who arrived on charter flights for the February 8-21 Australian Open and officials said more cases may come to light as testing continues.&nbsp;

Passengers, including 70 players, travelling on three charter flights arranged by Australian Open have been sent into hard quarantine. The athletes are unable to train for 14 days ahead of the year's first Grand Slam.

Others are allowed five hours outside their hotel rooms each day for preparation, in line with arrangements made by organisers Tennis Australia with health authorities.

Players have come up with unique ways to pass time and stay fit in isolation with some hitting balls against a mattress and running sprints in corridors.

"I think the people who tested positive thus far were probably exposed before they got on the flights," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said.

"But it will be the test results in coming days that will give us a picture of whether anyone's had infection transmitted to them on a flight."

The growing infection count has sparked calls from pundits to cancel the Grand Slam.

"It's time to be selfish, time for Victoria to put ourselves first," 3AW radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell said.

"Call off the Australian Open. It's not worth the risk."

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Sunday the tournament would start as scheduled.

(Inputs from Reuters)

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

Australian Open officials on Monday confirmed that four more participants, including an athlete, tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Melbourne. "All four are associated with the tennis, and they're all tucked away safely in hotel quarantine," Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews told reporters of the new cases. Also read: Australian Open to plough ahead despite players' quarantine anger According to Health Authorities in Victoria state, nine infections have been reported among passengers who arrived on charter flights for the February 8-21 Australian Open and officials said more cases may come to light as testing continues. Passengers, including 70 players, travelling on three charter flights arranged by Australian Open have been sent into hard quarantine. The athletes are unable to train for 14 days ahead of the year's first Grand Slam. Others are allowed five hours outside their hotel rooms each day for preparation, in line with arrangements made by organisers Tennis Australia with health authorities. Players have come up with unique ways to pass time and stay fit in isolation with some hitting balls against a mattress and running sprints in corridors. "I think the people who tested positive thus far were probably exposed before they got on the flights," Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said. "But it will be the test results in coming days that will give us a picture of whether anyone's had infection transmitted to them on a flight." The growing infection count has sparked calls from pundits to cancel the Grand Slam. "It's time to be selfish, time for Victoria to put ourselves first," 3AW radio broadcaster Neil Mitchell said. "Call off the Australian Open. It's not worth the risk." Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said on Sunday the tournament would start as scheduled. (Inputs from Reuters)

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

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has confirmed the year's first Grand Slam will go ahead from Feb. 8 despite anger from players forced into hard quarantine in Melbourne due to positive COVID-19 cases on their charter planes.

Forty-seven players and their entourages have to isolate for two weeks in their hotel rooms in Melbourne and are no longer able to leave them to train after infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne.

Other players who arrived in different planes are also undertaking a mandatory 14-day quarantine but are permitted to leave their hotels for five hours a day to train, raising questions about the integrity of the Grand Slam.

Tiley said the tournament would start as scheduled but governing body Tennis Australia would look at altering the leadup tournaments to help the affected players.

"We are reviewing the schedule leading in to see what we can do to assist these players," Tiley told the Nine Network on Sunday.

"The Australian Open is going ahead and we will continue to do the best we possibly can do to ensure those players have the best opportunity."

Quarantine authorities said they had recorded a fourth COVID-19 infection among the passengers on the two charter flights carrying players to Melbourne.

A broadcaster on the flight from Los Angeles had tested positive, adding to an aircrew member and a tennis coach on the same plane who were reported on Saturday.

The other case was Sylvain Bruneau, the coach of the women's 2019 U.S. Open champion - Canada's Bianca Andreescu.

Bruneau was a passenger on a charter flight carrying 23 players from Abu Dhabi.

Some of the affected players complained about their detention, saying they had not been adequately advised.

Romanian Sorana Cirstea, the women's world number 71, said on social media: "If they would have told us this rule before, I would not play in Australia. I would have stayed home.

"They told us we would fly at 20% capacity, in sections, and we would be a close contact only if my team or cohort tests positive."

Swiss player Belinda Bencic said she and the other 46 players were at a disadvantage.

"We are not complaining (about being) in quarantine. We are complaining because of unequal practice/playing conditions before quite important tournaments," she said on social media.

COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria boss Emma Cassar said authorities had provided consistent advice.

"The rules for close contacts haven't changed," she told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday.

"The program is set up to keep people safe."

Cassar also warned players to stick to quarantine rules and threatened them with A$20,000 ($15,400) fines and having them moved to an even stricter facility after two players made low-level breaches.

She said two players had opened their hotel room doors to talk to others, including one who was congratulating himself for arranging food by Uber Eats.

"So they've been warned and Victoria police will continue to follow up," she added.

The coach Bruneau said he had tested negative within 72 hours of his flight and felt "perfectly fine" when he boarded the plane.

"I am extremely saddened and sorry for the consequences now on everyone's shoulders sharing my flight," Bruneau said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada.

"The rest of my team is negative and I sincerely hope that any further disruption is kept to a minimum."

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

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has confirmed the year's first Grand Slam will go ahead from Feb. 8 despite anger from players forced into hard quarantine in Melbourne due to positive COVID-19 cases on their charter planes. Forty-seven players and their entourages have to isolate for two weeks in their hotel rooms in Melbourne and are no longer able to leave them to train after infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. Other players who arrived in different planes are also undertaking a mandatory 14-day quarantine but are permitted to leave their hotels for five hours a day to train, raising questions about the integrity of the Grand Slam. Tiley said the tournament would start as scheduled but governing body Tennis Australia would look at altering the leadup tournaments to help the affected players. "We are reviewing the schedule leading in to see what we can do to assist these players," Tiley told the Nine Network on Sunday. "The Australian Open is going ahead and we will continue to do the best we possibly can do to ensure those players have the best opportunity." Quarantine authorities said they had recorded a fourth COVID-19 infection among the passengers on the two charter flights carrying players to Melbourne. A broadcaster on the flight from Los Angeles had tested positive, adding to an aircrew member and a tennis coach on the same plane who were reported on Saturday. The other case was Sylvain Bruneau, the coach of the women's 2019 U.S. Open champion - Canada's Bianca Andreescu. Bruneau was a passenger on a charter flight carrying 23 players from Abu Dhabi. Some of the affected players complained about their detention, saying they had not been adequately advised. Romanian Sorana Cirstea, the women's world number 71, said on social media: "If they would have told us this rule before, I would not play in Australia. I would have stayed home. "They told us we would fly at 20% capacity, in sections, and we would be a close contact only if my team or cohort tests positive." Swiss player Belinda Bencic said she and the other 46 players were at a disadvantage. "We are not complaining (about being) in quarantine. We are complaining because of unequal practice/playing conditions before quite important tournaments," she said on social media. COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria boss Emma Cassar said authorities had provided consistent advice. "The rules for close contacts haven't changed," she told reporters in Melbourne on Sunday. "The program is set up to keep people safe." Cassar also warned players to stick to quarantine rules and threatened them with A$20,000 ($15,400) fines and having them moved to an even stricter facility after two players made low-level breaches. She said two players had opened their hotel room doors to talk to others, including one who was congratulating himself for arranging food by Uber Eats. "So they've been warned and Victoria police will continue to follow up," she added. The coach Bruneau said he had tested negative within 72 hours of his flight and felt "perfectly fine" when he boarded the plane. "I am extremely saddened and sorry for the consequences now on everyone's shoulders sharing my flight," Bruneau said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada. "The rest of my team is negative and I sincerely hope that any further disruption is kept to a minimum."

Australian Open to plough ahead despite players' quarantine anger

Health chiefs vowed Friday there will be no preferential treatment for five-time finalist Andy Murray, saying he must return a negative Covid-19 test if he wants to play the Australian Open.

The former world number one was due to travel to Melbourne on one of a series of charter flights laid on by tournament organisers, but revealed on Thursday he had tested positive for the virus.

He is isolating at home in London, casting major doubt over whether he will be able to play the opening Grand Slam of the year.

Britain's Press Association news agency said the three-time major winner, apparently in good health, was hoping to arrive in Australia at a later date.

But Victorian state health minister Martin Foley said the Scotsman won't be getting any special favours.

"In regards to Mr. Murray, we've been clear from the start that anyone who tests positive is not able to be part of the programme coming into Melbourne and Australia," he told reporters.

"Mr. Murray, and the other 1,240 people as part of the program, need to demonstrate that if they're coming to Melbourne they have returned a negative test.

"So should Mr. Murray arrive, and I have no indication that he will, he will be subject to those same rigorous arrangements as everyone else. Should he test positive prior to his attempts to come to Australia, he will be refused."

Murray was handed a wildcard to the Open, hoping to make his first appearance in Melbourne since 2019, when he revealed the extent of a right hip problem and raised the possibility of imminent retirement.

More than 1,200 players and support staff have begun arriving for 14 days' quarantine ahead of the delayed tournament, which is due to start on February 8.

They are being greeted by biosecurity officials wearing personal protective equipment, before being whisked away to hotel quarantine.

Players are only allowed into the country with proof of a negative test prior to departure, or with approval as a recovered case at the Australian government's discretion.

That rule applied to American world number 50 Tennys Sandgren, who was permitted onto a flight from Los Angeles Thursday despite tweeting that he tested positive this week.

It was his second positive result, having been diagnosed with Covid-19 in November.

"Mr. Sandgren is not infectious. His infection is historical," said Foley. "So, he's met the rigorous health criteria that has been set."

The tournament has already lost some key players, with Roger Federer out injured and world number 25 John Isner opting not to travel due to the coronavirus restrictions.

In another blow, American world number 16 Madison Keys said she too had tested positive and would not play.

Meanwhile, world number three Dominic Thiem arrived without coach Nicolas Massu, who has also tested positive, and Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal is missing his coach Carlos Moya who has decided not to make the trip.

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

Health chiefs vowed Friday there will be no preferential treatment for five-time finalist Andy Murray, saying he must return a negative Covid-19 test if he wants to play the Australian Open. The former world number one was due to travel to Melbourne on one of a series of charter flights laid on by tournament organisers, but revealed on Thursday he had tested positive for the virus. He is isolating at home in London, casting major doubt over whether he will be able to play the opening Grand Slam of the year. Britain's Press Association news agency said the three-time major winner, apparently in good health, was hoping to arrive in Australia at a later date. But Victorian state health minister Martin Foley said the Scotsman won't be getting any special favours. "In regards to Mr. Murray, we've been clear from the start that anyone who tests positive is not able to be part of the programme coming into Melbourne and Australia," he told reporters. "Mr. Murray, and the other 1,240 people as part of the program, need to demonstrate that if they're coming to Melbourne they have returned a negative test. "So should Mr. Murray arrive, and I have no indication that he will, he will be subject to those same rigorous arrangements as everyone else. Should he test positive prior to his attempts to come to Australia, he will be refused." Murray was handed a wildcard to the Open, hoping to make his first appearance in Melbourne since 2019, when he revealed the extent of a right hip problem and raised the possibility of imminent retirement. More than 1,200 players and support staff have begun arriving for 14 days' quarantine ahead of the delayed tournament, which is due to start on February 8. They are being greeted by biosecurity officials wearing personal protective equipment, before being whisked away to hotel quarantine. Players are only allowed into the country with proof of a negative test prior to departure, or with approval as a recovered case at the Australian government's discretion. That rule applied to American world number 50 Tennys Sandgren, who was permitted onto a flight from Los Angeles Thursday despite tweeting that he tested positive this week. It was his second positive result, having been diagnosed with Covid-19 in November. "Mr. Sandgren is not infectious. His infection is historical," said Foley. "So, he's met the rigorous health criteria that has been set." The tournament has already lost some key players, with Roger Federer out injured and world number 25 John Isner opting not to travel due to the coronavirus restrictions. In another blow, American world number 16 Madison Keys said she too had tested positive and would not play. Meanwhile, world number three Dominic Thiem arrived without coach Nicolas Massu, who has also tested positive, and Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal is missing his coach Carlos Moya who has decided not to make the trip.

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

British ace Andy Murray has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently placed under home isolation. However, he is still hopeful to feature at the Australian Open which is scheduled to be played next month.

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The Briton was due to travel to Australia on one of the 18 charter flights laid on by tournament organisers, however, he is now isolating.&nbsp;

As per reports, Murray has displayed mild symptoms for the virus and is currently in good health. Former world number one, who is also a wildcard for the Australian Grand Slam, is hoping to be able to arrive in the country and take part in the competition which will kick off on February 8.&nbsp;

Murray has been a five-time finalist at the Australian Open.&nbsp;

British ace Andy Murray has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently placed under home isolation. However, he is still hopeful to feature at the Australian Open which is scheduled to be played next month.

British ace Andy Murray has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently placed under home isolation. However, he is still hopeful to feature at the Australian Open which is scheduled to be played next month. ALSO READ: James Harden joining Brooklyn Nets in blockbuster deal: reports The Briton was due to travel to Australia on one of the 18 charter flights laid on by tournament organisers, however, he is now isolating. As per reports, Murray has displayed mild symptoms for the virus and is currently in good health. Former world number one, who is also a wildcard for the Australian Grand Slam, is hoping to be able to arrive in the country and take part in the competition which will kick off on February 8. Murray has been a five-time finalist at the Australian Open.

British ace Andy Murray tests positive for COVID-19

American tennis player Tennys Sandgren on Wednesday claimed that he was allowed to board a charter flight en route to Melbourne for the Australian Open despite testing positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

The Australian state of Victoria has imposed the 'strictest rules' for all the participants ahead of the 2021 season-opening Grand Slam with players, officials and support staff set to arrive via 15 chartered flights over the next few days.&nbsp;

However, after boarding the flight to Melbourne for the Australian Open, Sandgren claimed that he had returned coronavirus positive earlier in the week. Sangren had earlier hinted that he was unlikely to travel due to the positive test.&nbsp;

However, taking to social media platform Twitter, Sandgren confirmed he is “on the plane" before terming Tennis Australia and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley as "a wizard".&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/strict-quarantine-awaits-worlds-top-tennis-stars-in-australia-356194" hreflang="en">Strict quarantine awaits world's top tennis stars in Australia</a>

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Covid positive over thanksgiving 
Covid positive on monday 
 
Yet pcr tests are the “gold standard”? 
 
Atleast I get to keep my points 😂
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennysSandgren/status/1349502881519423493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wow I’m on the plane 
 
Maybe I just held my breath too long.. 
 
Craig Tiley is a wizard
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennysSandgren/status/1349521651801620480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Taken aback by Sandgren's tweet, Australian Open issued a statement to explain the situation and reason behind the decision to allow Sandgren to board the flight to Melbourne. &nbsp;

“Anyone waiting to travel to the AO who has previously tested positive to COVID-19 is required to provide additional and highly detailed medical information as proof they are a recovered case and no longer infectious or a risk to the community,” the statement said.&nbsp;

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“In the case of Tennys Sandgren, who has self-disclosed that he previously tested positive in late November, his medical file had to reviewed by Victorian health authorities. Upon completion of that review he was cleared to fly.”&nbsp;

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More information on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> COVID-19 protocols. 
 
cc <a href="https://twitter.com/TennysSandgren?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennysSandgren</a> <a href="https://t.co/frI9CohXn1">pic.twitter.com/frI9CohXn1</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1349597018813915143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Sandgren later tweeted that his two tests were less than eight weeks apart while adding he was sick in November and has totally recovered now.

"A lot couch virologists out there. My two tests were less than 8 weeks a part. I was sick in November, totally healthy now. There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered!," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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A lot couch virologists out there. My two tests were less than 8 weeks a part. I was sick in November, totally healthy now. There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered!
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennysSandgren/status/1349544148781568001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Tennys Stangren’s positive result was reviewed by health experts and determined to be viral shedding from a previous infection, so was given the all clear to fly. No one who is COVID positive for the first time - or could still be infectious - will be allowed in for the Aus Open
— Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/LisanevilleMP/status/1349586681721044992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sandgren, world no. 50, is set to appear in his fourth main draw appearance at the Australian Open after reaching the quarter-final of the tournament in 2020. He went on to lost to Roger Federer after failing to bag seven match points.&nbsp;

American tennis player Tennys Sandgren on Wednesday claimed that he was allowed to board a charter flight en route to Melbourne for the Australian Open despite testing positive for COVID-19.

American tennis player Tennys Sandgren on Wednesday claimed that he was allowed to board a charter flight en route to Melbourne for the Australian Open despite testing positive for COVID-19. The Australian state of Victoria has imposed the 'strictest rules' for all the participants ahead of the 2021 season-opening Grand Slam with players, officials and support staff set to arrive via 15 chartered flights over the next few days. However, after boarding the flight to Melbourne for the Australian Open, Sandgren claimed that he had returned coronavirus positive earlier in the week. Sangren had earlier hinted that he was unlikely to travel due to the positive test. However, taking to social media platform Twitter, Sandgren confirmed he is “on the plane" before terming Tennis Australia and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley as "a wizard". ALSO READ: Strict quarantine awaits world's top tennis stars in Australia Covid positive over thanksgiving Covid positive on monday Yet pcr tests are the “gold standard”? Atleast I get to keep my points 😂 — Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 13, 2021 × Wow I’m on the plane Maybe I just held my breath too long.. Craig Tiley is a wizard — Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 14, 2021 × Taken aback by Sandgren's tweet, Australian Open issued a statement to explain the situation and reason behind the decision to allow Sandgren to board the flight to Melbourne. “Anyone waiting to travel to the AO who has previously tested positive to COVID-19 is required to provide additional and highly detailed medical information as proof they are a recovered case and no longer infectious or a risk to the community,” the statement said. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics organisers say cancellation report 'fake news' “In the case of Tennys Sandgren, who has self-disclosed that he previously tested positive in late November, his medical file had to reviewed by Victorian health authorities. Upon completion of that review he was cleared to fly.” More information on #AusOpen COVID-19 protocols. cc @TennysSandgren pic.twitter.com/frI9CohXn1 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2021 × Sandgren later tweeted that his two tests were less than eight weeks apart while adding he was sick in November and has totally recovered now. "A lot couch virologists out there. My two tests were less than 8 weeks a part. I was sick in November, totally healthy now. There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered!," he tweeted. A lot couch virologists out there. My two tests were less than 8 weeks a part. I was sick in November, totally healthy now. There’s not a single documented case where I would be contagious at this point. Totally recovered! — Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 14, 2021 × Tennys Stangren’s positive result was reviewed by health experts and determined to be viral shedding from a previous infection, so was given the all clear to fly. No one who is COVID positive for the first time - or could still be infectious - will be allowed in for the Aus Open — Lisa Neville (@LisanevilleMP) January 14, 2021 × Sandgren, world no. 50, is set to appear in his fourth main draw appearance at the Australian Open after reaching the quarter-final of the tournament in 2020. He went on to lost to Roger Federer after failing to bag seven match points.

Australian Open: Player reveals he was allowed to board flight despite COVID-19 positive test

Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch.

The calendar's first Grand Slam normally starts in the third week of January but planning for this year's tournament has been a logistical nightmare for beleaguered organisers.&nbsp;

Tennis Australia initially wanted players arriving in Melbourne by mid-December.

But restrictions on international arrivals to the state of Victoria pushed back the tournament start date to February 8, with a series of WTA and ATP events being played at Melbourne the week before to ensure players are up to speed.

Melbourne was the epicentre of Australia's largest second wave outbreak of coronavirus, which prompted strict lockdown measures for four months.&nbsp;

This grim backdrop fuelled tense negotiations between government officials, organisers and players to iron out an agreeable health security protocol for the Australian Open.

The sticking point had been over allowing players to practise during the compulsory 14-day quarantine period but eventually authorities gave the green light and granted daily five-hour blocks for training and treatment.

Players, however, face stricter measures compared to last year's US and French Opens held in cities stricken by the virus and will be required to spend 19 hours daily during quarantine confined to their hotel rooms.

Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin admitted it was "not the most ideal situation". "It is what it is. The rules are quite harsh, but it's for&nbsp;everyone," she said.

There is also the threat of sanctions, including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if the rules are broken.

Ukrainian world number five Elina Svitolina hired a mental coach in an effort to cope with the stress and uncertainty.

"I think during the difficult time right now, mentally it's very important to stay strong, to stay fresh," she said.

<h2>- 'Just crazy' -</h2>

Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer's decision to withdraw -- breaking his record streak of 21 straight singles appearances in Melbourne -- affects the pulling power of the tournament, which was left reeling after suggestions he skipped because of the quarantine rules.

The 39-year-old had two rounds of knee surgery last year and has not played since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 12 months ago.

"The problem is that Mirka (Federer's wife) and their children couldn't leave the room," Tennis Australia's head of player liaisons Andre Sa told Brazilian media.&nbsp;

"They would have to stay 14 days in the room. The exception is only for players."

Just days ahead of players arriving organisers were forced into a scramble to find more accommodation after a luxury Melbourne hotel due to host them pulled out.

In a late twist, it was revealed Saturday that a contingent of up to 50 -– including top stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka -– would quarantine instead in Adelaide with an exhibition tournament held there prior to the Australian Open.

It led to world number 72 Jeremy Chardy accusing organisers of preferential treatment.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley&nbsp;admitted there would be "some benefits" for players amid the smaller cohort in Adelaide but said "the conditions of training will be the same".

Tiley said the toll on organisers had been immense with a 1,270-strong contingent on 80 charter flights, bankrolled by Tennis Australia, journeying to Melbourne and Adelaide this week.

"It's just crazy, we've never seen anything like it," he told the Tennis Channel.

"Logistically, to pull something like this off will be a small miracle but we are giving it a good go."

Even though Melbourne recently experienced a small new outbreak of the virus, Tiley expected crowd capacity at the Grand Slam to be around 50-75 percent, exceeding the biggest audience for a tennis tournament since the pandemic started.

"We are doing the best we can to deliver an Australian Open to as close as it was in 2020," he said. "Hopefully there will be normalcy to it."&nbsp;

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

Tennis' top stars face the threat of sanctions if they breach stringent Covid-19 protocols when they arrive this week for an Australian Open deemed by its top boss as needing a "small miracle" to go off without a hitch. The calendar's first Grand Slam normally starts in the third week of January but planning for this year's tournament has been a logistical nightmare for beleaguered organisers. Tennis Australia initially wanted players arriving in Melbourne by mid-December. But restrictions on international arrivals to the state of Victoria pushed back the tournament start date to February 8, with a series of WTA and ATP events being played at Melbourne the week before to ensure players are up to speed. Melbourne was the epicentre of Australia's largest second wave outbreak of coronavirus, which prompted strict lockdown measures for four months. This grim backdrop fuelled tense negotiations between government officials, organisers and players to iron out an agreeable health security protocol for the Australian Open. The sticking point had been over allowing players to practise during the compulsory 14-day quarantine period but eventually authorities gave the green light and granted daily five-hour blocks for training and treatment. Players, however, face stricter measures compared to last year's US and French Opens held in cities stricken by the virus and will be required to spend 19 hours daily during quarantine confined to their hotel rooms. Defending Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin admitted it was "not the most ideal situation". "It is what it is. The rules are quite harsh, but it's for everyone," she said. There is also the threat of sanctions, including hefty fines, spending additional time in quarantine or deportation, if the rules are broken. Ukrainian world number five Elina Svitolina hired a mental coach in an effort to cope with the stress and uncertainty. "I think during the difficult time right now, mentally it's very important to stay strong, to stay fresh," she said. - 'Just crazy' - Six-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer's decision to withdraw -- breaking his record streak of 21 straight singles appearances in Melbourne -- affects the pulling power of the tournament, which was left reeling after suggestions he skipped because of the quarantine rules. The 39-year-old had two rounds of knee surgery last year and has not played since his semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open 12 months ago. "The problem is that Mirka (Federer's wife) and their children couldn't leave the room," Tennis Australia's head of player liaisons Andre Sa told Brazilian media. "They would have to stay 14 days in the room. The exception is only for players." Just days ahead of players arriving organisers were forced into a scramble to find more accommodation after a luxury Melbourne hotel due to host them pulled out. In a late twist, it was revealed Saturday that a contingent of up to 50 -– including top stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka -– would quarantine instead in Adelaide with an exhibition tournament held there prior to the Australian Open. It led to world number 72 Jeremy Chardy accusing organisers of preferential treatment. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley admitted there would be "some benefits" for players amid the smaller cohort in Adelaide but said "the conditions of training will be the same". Tiley said the toll on organisers had been immense with a 1,270-strong contingent on 80 charter flights, bankrolled by Tennis Australia, journeying to Melbourne and Adelaide this week. "It's just crazy, we've never seen anything like it," he told the Tennis Channel. "Logistically, to pull something like this off will be a small miracle but we are giving it a good go." Even though Melbourne recently experienced a small new outbreak of the virus, Tiley expected crowd capacity at the Grand Slam to be around 50-75 percent, exceeding the biggest audience for a tennis tournament since the pandemic started. "We are doing the best we can to deliver an Australian Open to as close as it was in 2020," he said. "Hopefully there will be normalcy to it."

Strict quarantine awaits world's top tennis stars in Australia

American ace and world number 30 Amanda Anisimova has tested positive for novel coronavirus, Tennis Channel reported on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/efl-records-112-positive-covid-19-tests-in-latest-round-355467" hreflang="en">EFL records 112 positive COVID-19 tests in latest round</a>

Anisimova will not be competing at the WTA tournament in Abu Dhabi. The 19-year-old took to Instagram on Friday and included a crying emoji which read: "I want to play."&nbsp;

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On the comment section, Amanda confirmed that she had tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

<img alt="vv" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a862923d-db55-4d9d-badf-0b8503383b7e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ss.PNG" />

The hard-hitting Anisimova is among a crop of rising American women making waves in the sport, a group that includes Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, 22, and 16-year-old Coco Gauff. However, the virus might dampen her hopes to compete in the Australian Open that is less than a month away.&nbsp;

Anisimova won her maiden tour-level title on the Bogota clay in April 2019 and reached a career-high ranking of 21 six months later.

(Inputs from Agency)

American ace and world number 30 Amanda Anisimova has tested positive for novel coronavirus, Tennis Channel reported on Friday. ALSO READ: EFL records 112 positive COVID-19 tests in latest round Anisimova will not be competing at the WTA tournament in Abu Dhabi.

American ace and world number 30 Amanda Anisimova has tested positive for novel coronavirus, Tennis Channel reported on Friday. ALSO READ: EFL records 112 positive COVID-19 tests in latest round Anisimova will not be competing at the WTA tournament in Abu Dhabi. The 19-year-old took to Instagram on Friday and included a crying emoji which read: "I want to play." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amanda Kay Victoria (@amandaanisimova) × On the comment section, Amanda confirmed that she had tested positive for the virus. The hard-hitting Anisimova is among a crop of rising American women making waves in the sport, a group that includes Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, 22, and 16-year-old Coco Gauff. However, the virus might dampen her hopes to compete in the Australian Open that is less than a month away. Anisimova won her maiden tour-level title on the Bogota clay in April 2019 and reached a career-high ranking of 21 six months later. (Inputs from Agency)

American ace Amanda Anisimova tests positive for coronavirus: Reports

Australian Open organisers were forced to find new quarantine accommodation for players Tuesday after a hotel pulled out, reportedly because of concerns from residents.

Organisers of the year's first tennis grand slam confirmed they had secured new hotel accommodation after Melbourne's The Westin cancelled plans to house tennis players during two weeks of quarantine ahead of the tournament.

"Several hotels in Melbourne have already been secured, including a replacement for the Westin, to safely accommodate the international playing group," organisers said in a statement.

Local media reported that a legal threat from several permanent residents in the luxury hotel had scuppered the plan to host players there.

The news comes 10 days before the first players are expected to arrive in the city.

The start of the opening Grand Slam of 2021 has already been delayed until February 8, to allow players to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed on all overseas arrivals before taking part in a week of warm-up tournaments.

Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam.

Australia has largely contained the coronavirus, although fresh outbreaks in Sydney and Melbourne have forced authorities to reintroduce some restrictions, including state border closures.&nbsp;

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

Australian Open organisers were forced to find new quarantine accommodation for players Tuesday after a hotel pulled out, reportedly because of concerns from residents. Organisers of the year's first tennis grand slam confirmed they had secured new hotel accommodation after Melbourne's The Westin cancelled plans to house tennis players during two weeks of quarantine ahead of the tournament. "Several hotels in Melbourne have already been secured, including a replacement for the Westin, to safely accommodate the international playing group," organisers said in a statement. Local media reported that a legal threat from several permanent residents in the luxury hotel had scuppered the plan to host players there. The news comes 10 days before the first players are expected to arrive in the city. The start of the opening Grand Slam of 2021 has already been delayed until February 8, to allow players to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine imposed on all overseas arrivals before taking part in a week of warm-up tournaments. Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam. Australia has largely contained the coronavirus, although fresh outbreaks in Sydney and Melbourne have forced authorities to reintroduce some restrictions, including state border closures.

Australian Open forced to switch player quarantine hotel

Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday. 
 
The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut. 
 
"We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms," Tiley said. 
 
"His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021." 
 
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray went on to have hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but made his comeback to win the Antwerp title nine months later. 
 
He missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros. 
 
The 33-year-old will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament. 
 
The Australian Open has been pushed back three weeks to start on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 measures. 
&nbsp;

Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday. The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut.

Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday. The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut. "We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms," Tiley said. "His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray went on to have hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but made his comeback to win the Antwerp title nine months later. He missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros. The 33-year-old will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament. The Australian Open has been pushed back three weeks to start on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 measures.

Murray awarded wildcard for Australian Open

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning.

All the world's top players have signed on, led by world number ones Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty.

There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery.

But he has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park as he targets a seventh title.

US superstar Williams, who like Federer turns 40 next year, is also committed as she once again attempts to pull level with Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Her last triumph at the majors came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant.

"There are so many great storylines for AO 2021," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"Serena is gunning for her eighth title while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is going for a record ninth title.&nbsp;

"Our own world No.1 Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer as he comes back from injury."

The opening Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8.

All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, during which they will constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble.

"Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority," said Tiley.&nbsp;

"We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year."

The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights.

A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation.

Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7.

Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely.

Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney last week has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

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

Roger Federer and Serena Williams were among the entries announced Thursday for the coronavirus-disrupted Australian Open, with tournament director Craig Tiley vowing a "happy Slam" after months of painstaking planning. All the world's top players have signed on, led by world number ones Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty. There was a question mark over Swiss great Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery. But he has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park as he targets a seventh title. US superstar Williams, who like Federer turns 40 next year, is also committed as she once again attempts to pull level with Margaret Court as a 24-time Grand Slam champion. Her last triumph at the majors came in Australia in 2017 when she was pregnant. "There are so many great storylines for AO 2021," said Tiley. "Serena is gunning for her eighth title while Novak, who often seems invincible at Melbourne Park, is going for a record ninth title. "Our own world No.1 Ash Barty will return to Grand Slam competition, as will Roger Federer as he comes back from injury." The opening Grand Slam of the year, which will be played in front of at least 50 percent of normal crowds, has been pushed back three weeks until February 8. All players must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, during which they will constantly be tested for Covid-19 but allowed to train for five hours a day in a bio-secure bubble. "Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority," said Tiley. "We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year." The men's and women's qualifiers will be held in Doha and Dubai respectively from January 10-13, with players arriving in Melbourne from January 15 on special charter flights. A slimmed-down, 12-team ATP Cup, the relocated Adelaide International, and a ATP 250 tournament will all be played in Melbourne once players are out of isolation. Two WTA 500 tournaments are also planned to be held concurrently at Melbourne Park on January 31-February 7. Melbourne only emerged from a months-long lockdown in October following a second wave of Covid-19, complicating planning for the Grand Slam and how to allow so many players and support staff to enter the country safely. Australia has largely contained the coronavirus although a new outbreak in Sydney last week has sparked fresh restrictions in parts of the city and even state border closures.

Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown.

A delay for a week or two to the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled to begin on January 18, was now "most likely", said Martin Pakula, the Sports Minister of the Victoria State government.

"I still think it's much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay,"&nbsp;Pakula said.

The "very complex negotiations" were still under way but he remained confident it would go ahead in the early part of 2021.

For eight months, Australia has virtually closed off from the rest of the world, with a blanket ban on non-residents entering the country and citizens strongly advised against all foreign travel.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley&nbsp;had originally wanted &nbsp;players to start arriving in Australia from mid-December so they could undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before playing traditional warm-up events.

But the plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, who reportedly will not allow players to arrive before January, which would make it all but impossible to hold the high-profile ATP Cup and other tournaments the start of the Open.

Still under discussion is whether players will be able to train or compete during quarantine.

It comes as Grand Slam winner Andy Murray called for all players to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when it becomes available.&nbsp;

"I would hope that all the players would be willing to do that for the good of the sport -- providing everything has proved to be safe, clinical trials and everything have been done and there are not any significant side-effects," Murray said.

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged patience from players.

"That is difficult for everyone," he said at the ATP Finals in London last week.

"We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year."

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown.

The Australian Open will likely be delayed by one to two weeks, officials said Wednesday, as talks continue over staging the tournament in Melbourne, which has only recently emerged from months of coronavirus lockdown. A delay for a week or two to the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled to begin on January 18, was now "most likely", said Martin Pakula, the Sports Minister of the Victoria State government. "I still think it's much more likely that it will be a shorter rather than longer delay," Pakula said. The "very complex negotiations" were still under way but he remained confident it would go ahead in the early part of 2021. For eight months, Australia has virtually closed off from the rest of the world, with a blanket ban on non-residents entering the country and citizens strongly advised against all foreign travel. Australian Open chief Craig Tiley had originally wanted players to start arriving in Australia from mid-December so they could undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine before playing traditional warm-up events. But the plan was thrown into doubt by Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews, who reportedly will not allow players to arrive before January, which would make it all but impossible to hold the high-profile ATP Cup and other tournaments the start of the Open. Still under discussion is whether players will be able to train or compete during quarantine. It comes as Grand Slam winner Andy Murray called for all players to be vaccinated against Covid-19 when it becomes available. "I would hope that all the players would be willing to do that for the good of the sport -- providing everything has proved to be safe, clinical trials and everything have been done and there are not any significant side-effects," Murray said. Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Nadal said it was an unprecedented situation and urged patience from players. "That is difficult for everyone," he said at the ATP Finals in London last week. "We need to be flexible to understand the situation and to find a way to play as many tournaments as possible next year."

Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-daniil-medvedev-beats-rafael-nadal-in-a-thrilling-semi-finals-clash-344715" hreflang="en">ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash</a>

Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments.

"We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement.

"We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon."

Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals.

Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January.

They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead.

Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday.

"Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said.

"Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government."

The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January&nbsp;18.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has moved to allay fears the season-opening tennis grand slam and its buildup tournaments could be hampered by strict biosecurity protocols to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read: ATP Finals: Daniil Medvedev beats Rafael Nadal in a thrilling semi-finals clash Tiley said on Sunday that Tennis Australia was still "doing everything we can to finalise the summer of tennis as soon as possible" after the Victorian state government said this week nothing had been confirmed around the tournaments. "We are working closely with the Victorian Government on a plan that takes into account the needs of the players, fans, our partners and staff, and is a major benefit to the Victorian and Australian economy," Tiley added in a statement. "We are continuing our urgent talks with local health authorities regarding quarantining and bio-security requirements and are confident we will have decisions soon." Victoria has just emerged from a lengthy lockdown following a rampant re-emergence of the coronavirus, while Australia is effectively closed to international arrivals. Tennis Australia (TA), however, said earlier this week they had planned for players and their entourages to start arriving Down Under in mid-December, spend two weeks in mandatory quarantine and then begin playing in early January. They had also planned to move all of the buildup tournaments to Victoria, but the state government gave that notion short-shrift and said they had not even confirmed whether the Grand Slam could go ahead. Tiley, however, remained optimistic on Sunday. "Our intention is to deliver a summer in conditions that allow the players to prepare and perform at their best and the fans to enjoy their efforts - all in an environment that is safe for all concerned," he said. "Tennis Australia is acutely aware of the need for certainty but also conscious of reaching a solution with the state Government." The Australian Open is scheduled to begin at Melbourne Park on January 18.

Organisers optimistic for Australian Open despite coronavirus measures

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