France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday.

NextGen star Moutet, 21, posted a career-best result when he stormed into the final of the Qatar Open as a qualifier last year, finishing runner-up to Russian world number eight Andrey Rublev.

And he started 2021 well, ousting 2019 Australian Open quarter-finalist Tiafoe 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Murray River Open, one of two ATP events being run concurrently at Melbourne Park ahead of next week's Australian Open.

"It was so nice to play a match," Moutet said.&nbsp;

"It was a long time since I've played, especially in front of people. It wasn't an easy one, because I had to play against a tough opponent who is a great player. A tough match, but definitely a lot of pleasure."

But 14th seed Gasquet didn't fare as well, crashing to 194th ranked American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.

Fellow American Tommy Paul, the 15th seed, was another winner, motoring past Briton Cameron Norrie in three sets.

Top seeds Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov had byes into the second round.

Slovenian 13th seed Aljaz Bedene and big-serving South African Kevin Anderson were among the winners in the Great Ocean Road Classic.

The biggest names in the game, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, are playing the ATP Cup teams event, which gets underway in Melbourne on Tuesday.

France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday.

France's Corentin Moutet burnished his credentials with a battling come-from-behind win over American Frances Tiafoe, but his veteran compatriot Richard Gasquet crashed at the first hurdle as the ATP Tour resumed Monday. NextGen star Moutet, 21, posted a career-best result when he stormed into the final of the Qatar Open as a qualifier last year, finishing runner-up to Russian world number eight Andrey Rublev. And he started 2021 well, ousting 2019 Australian Open quarter-finalist Tiafoe 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the Murray River Open, one of two ATP events being run concurrently at Melbourne Park ahead of next week's Australian Open. "It was so nice to play a match," Moutet said. "It was a long time since I've played, especially in front of people. It wasn't an easy one, because I had to play against a tough opponent who is a great player. A tough match, but definitely a lot of pleasure." But 14th seed Gasquet didn't fare as well, crashing to 194th ranked American Mackenzie McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 7-5. Fellow American Tommy Paul, the 15th seed, was another winner, motoring past Briton Cameron Norrie in three sets. Top seeds Stan Wawrinka and Grigor Dimitrov had byes into the second round. Slovenian 13th seed Aljaz Bedene and big-serving South African Kevin Anderson were among the winners in the Great Ocean Road Classic. The biggest names in the game, including Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, are playing the ATP Cup teams event, which gets underway in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Moutet upsets Tiafoe, Gasquet crashes as ATP Tour resumes

India's tennis ace Rohan Bopanna's search for a new double's partner for the Australian Open has ended as the former doubles world number three will be playing with Ben McLachlan from Japan in the first Grand Slam of the year.&nbsp;

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Bopanna's partner, Joao Sousa, was unable to travel to Australia on time after testing COVID-19 positive. The Indian player is currently one of 72 players who have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14-day quarantine in Melbourne after fellow passengers on the flights that brought them to Australia tested positive for COVID-19.

"Playing with Ben McLachlan from Japan in Australian open," Bopanna told Reuters in a message on Saturday. McLachlan is a New Zealand-born player who represents Japan.

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Rohan will be teaming up with China's Duan Yingying for the mixed doubles challenge.&nbsp;

For next week's ATP event in Melbourne, Denmark's Frederik Nielsen will pair up with Bopanna in the men's double category.

Denied training like most other players, Bopanna earlier told Reuters he had been relying on exercise bands and mats to stay fit.

(Inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

India's tennis ace Rohan Bopanna's search for a new double's partner for the Australian Open has ended as the former doubles world number three will be playing with Ben McLachlan from Japan in the first Grand Slam of the year.

India's tennis ace Rohan Bopanna's search for a new double's partner for the Australian Open has ended as the former doubles world number three will be playing with Ben McLachlan from Japan in the first Grand Slam of the year. ALSO READ: 'I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much': Nick Kyrgios Bopanna's partner, Joao Sousa, was unable to travel to Australia on time after testing COVID-19 positive. The Indian player is currently one of 72 players who have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14-day quarantine in Melbourne after fellow passengers on the flights that brought them to Australia tested positive for COVID-19. "Playing with Ben McLachlan from Japan in Australian open," Bopanna told Reuters in a message on Saturday. McLachlan is a New Zealand-born player who represents Japan. ALSO READ: Aus Open: Top-ranked Ashleigh Barty thrilled to be back playing again Rohan will be teaming up with China's Duan Yingying for the mixed doubles challenge. For next week's ATP event in Melbourne, Denmark's Frederik Nielsen will pair up with Bopanna in the men's double category. Denied training like most other players, Bopanna earlier told Reuters he had been relying on exercise bands and mats to stay fit. (Inputs from Reuters)

Rohan Bopanna finds new doubles' partner ahead of Australian Open

Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.S. top-flight club said on Thursday.

"The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I don't know where I would be without them," Osaka, the world number three, wrote on Twitter.

"Throughout my career I've always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that's why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of the NC Courage."

Osaka, 23, was named Forbes' highest-paid female athlete in May last year when she surpassed her idol Serena Williams, raking in $37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over 12 months.

Courage, founded in 2017 by Stephen Malik who acquired the franchise rights from 2016 champions Western New York Flash, won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 after moving to North Carolina.

"I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage," Malik, chairman of the club, said.

"She brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women."

Osaka, who won the U.S. Open last year, has used her standing in the sport to fight for racial justice and at every round of the tournament in New York she wore masks bearing the names of Black Americans who had been killed.

Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.

Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.S. top-flight club said on Thursday. "The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I don't know where I would be without them," Osaka, the world number three, wrote on Twitter. "Throughout my career I've always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that's why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of the NC Courage." Osaka, 23, was named Forbes' highest-paid female athlete in May last year when she surpassed her idol Serena Williams, raking in $37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over 12 months. Courage, founded in 2017 by Stephen Malik who acquired the franchise rights from 2016 champions Western New York Flash, won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 after moving to North Carolina. "I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage," Malik, chairman of the club, said. "She brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women." Osaka, who won the U.S. Open last year, has used her standing in the sport to fight for racial justice and at every round of the tournament in New York she wore masks bearing the names of Black Americans who had been killed.

Tennis champion Osaka invests in NWSL side North Carolina Courage

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others".&nbsp;

The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals.&nbsp;

The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool".&nbsp;

Later, Djokovic published and open later to&nbsp;say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued".&nbsp;

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"We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8.&nbsp;

"Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing."&nbsp;

While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-they-wont-they-key-questions-for-troubled-tokyo-olympics-359408" hreflang="en">Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics</a>

While it sparked takes on preferential&nbsp;treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing.&nbsp;

"In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable."&nbsp;

Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.&nbsp;

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

Rafael Nadal has taken a sly dig at world number one Novak Djokovic following his requests for quarantined players for the Australian Open 2021 as the Spaniard said that not everyone felt the need to "advertise" how they were trying to help "others". The Serbian ace gave a list of suggestions to Tennis Australia last week on behalf of 72 players, who were unable to leave their hotel rooms in Melbourne after COVID-19 cases were detected on their planes to Australia. Reportedly, the list included shifting players into private houses with tennis courts and providing them with better meals. The requests by Djokovic provoked a backlash as Australian media portrayed players as selfish while fellow tennis star Nick Kyrgios termed the Serb as a "tool". Later, Djokovic published and open later to say his "good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued". ÁLSO READ: Florida offers to host Olympics if Tokyo backs out "We all try to help each other," Spanish great Nadal told ESPN Tuesday from Adelaide, where he and Djokovic are quarantining ahead of the year's opening Grand Slam in Melbourne on February 8. "Some need to make public everything they do to help others," he added, in remarks widely seen as referring to Djokovic. "Others... do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we're doing." While most of the players are still undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period in Melbourne, Nadal, Djokovic and a few other superstars including Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka were taken to Adelaide where they are due to play an exhibition on Friday. ALSO READ: Will they, won't they? Key questions for troubled Tokyo Olympics While it sparked takes on preferential treatment, Nadal admitted it had been smoother sailing. "In Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne," he said. "But there are players in Melbourne who have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can't have contact with their coach and their physical trainer. "Where's the line? It's an ethical issue. Everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable." Australian Open is set to commence from February 8.

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

Tennis great Margaret Court insisted Tuesday she would not give back a high-profile Australian honour after a backlash over her views on the LGBTQ community, claiming she "loves" gay and transgender people.

The 78-year-old, the all-time record holder for Grand Slam titles who is now a church pastor, was elevated to a Companion of the Order of Australia on the country's national day Tuesday.

But news of the award -- Australia's highest honour -- saw Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews slam her "disgraceful" and "hurtful" opinions.

And respected broadcaster Kerry O'Brien rejected his Australia Day gong in protest at the "insensitive" decision to honour Court, while LGBTQ advocate Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo said she would hand back the medal she received in 2016.

Court has attracted controversy over her stance on sexuality and support of gay conversion therapy, drawing condemnation for saying "tennis is full of lesbians" and describing transgender children as "the work of the devil".

She enraged fellow tennis greats including Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova when she announced a boycott of national airline Qantas for its CEO's support of same-sex marriage, which Australia introduced in 2017.

"No," Court said, when asked on Melbourne radio station 3AW if she would return the award.

"Because I loved representing my nation. When I got my AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) it was for my community outreach area, where we put out 75 tonnes of food a week.

"This was for my tennis and I think it was a long time coming and I'm very honoured... We did nothing but play for our nation."

Court, one of only five players to win all four Majors in the same year, refused to be drawn on Andrews' stance, while claiming her previous comments had been misrepresented by the media.

"I don't hate anybody, I love people and I love gay people and transgender people. We get them into our community services, we never turn anybody away," she said.

"I can be bullied, I've been bullied a lot in the last few years and I don't mind, that's all right.

"But if I say anything, then I'm a bigot and I'm everything else and I don't like that and I think the press has caused a lot of that."

Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles has stood since 1973. Serena Williams, one behind on 23, will make her latest attempt to equal Court at next month's Australian Open.

Court said she would not be heading to Melbourne Park this year, where one of the show courts is named after her.

"No, I wasn't invited," she said. "With coronavirus, we've been so busy with our community work. I haven't even thought about it."

Tennis great Margaret Court insisted Tuesday she would not give back a high-profile Australian honour after a backlash over her views on the LGBTQ community, claiming she "loves" gay and transgender people.

Tennis great Margaret Court insisted Tuesday she would not give back a high-profile Australian honour after a backlash over her views on the LGBTQ community, claiming she "loves" gay and transgender people. The 78-year-old, the all-time record holder for Grand Slam titles who is now a church pastor, was elevated to a Companion of the Order of Australia on the country's national day Tuesday. But news of the award -- Australia's highest honour -- saw Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews slam her "disgraceful" and "hurtful" opinions. And respected broadcaster Kerry O'Brien rejected his Australia Day gong in protest at the "insensitive" decision to honour Court, while LGBTQ advocate Dr Clara Tuck Meng Soo said she would hand back the medal she received in 2016. Court has attracted controversy over her stance on sexuality and support of gay conversion therapy, drawing condemnation for saying "tennis is full of lesbians" and describing transgender children as "the work of the devil". She enraged fellow tennis greats including Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova when she announced a boycott of national airline Qantas for its CEO's support of same-sex marriage, which Australia introduced in 2017. "No," Court said, when asked on Melbourne radio station 3AW if she would return the award. "Because I loved representing my nation. When I got my AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) it was for my community outreach area, where we put out 75 tonnes of food a week. "This was for my tennis and I think it was a long time coming and I'm very honoured... We did nothing but play for our nation." Court, one of only five players to win all four Majors in the same year, refused to be drawn on Andrews' stance, while claiming her previous comments had been misrepresented by the media. "I don't hate anybody, I love people and I love gay people and transgender people. We get them into our community services, we never turn anybody away," she said. "I can be bullied, I've been bullied a lot in the last few years and I don't mind, that's all right. "But if I say anything, then I'm a bigot and I'm everything else and I don't like that and I think the press has caused a lot of that." Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles has stood since 1973. Serena Williams, one behind on 23, will make her latest attempt to equal Court at next month's Australian Open. Court said she would not be heading to Melbourne Park this year, where one of the show courts is named after her. "No, I wasn't invited," she said. "With coronavirus, we've been so busy with our community work. I haven't even thought about it."

Tennis great Court vows to keep Aussie award despite backlash

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest&nbsp;honour&nbsp;next week. Fans criticised&nbsp;the&nbsp;move&nbsp;because of Court's history of anti-gay views.&nbsp;

Court, who won 24 singles Grand Slam titles in her career and 40 doubles Grand Slams, is to be awarded a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia&nbsp;(AC) - the highest category of&nbsp;honour&nbsp;– after previously receiving the laurel in 2007, the media reported.&nbsp; The tennis great ultimately retrained as a Pentecostal pastor.&nbsp;

While Court's award has not been officially confirmed, Victoria state leader Daniel Andrews hinted about it on social media, without naming her as he said he didn't&nbsp;“want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen”.&nbsp;

“But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honor – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division,” Andrews said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-reacts-to-reports-of-tokyo-olympics-getting-cancelled-says-it-is-categorically-untrue-358581" hreflang="en">IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'</a>

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had&nbsp;no “official knowledge” of Court’s award.&nbsp;

“It is a system that&nbsp;recognises&nbsp;the full spectrum of individuals across this country,” Morrison said of the awards.&nbsp;

Court, in 2019, had&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;transgender athletes and called the teaching of LGBT material in schools the work of devil. The tennis great made the comments at the Perth church which she set up decades back and where she is a pastor now.&nbsp;

The 78-year-old was slammed by other tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova&nbsp;and John McEnroe as they said Court's name should be removed from the Melbourne Park&nbsp;showcourt&nbsp;and replaced with that of former world number one, Evonne Goolagong.&nbsp;

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“You name buildings after not what people just did on the court, but also off the court, the whole body of work,” Navratilova, an 18-times Grand Slam champion who is openly gay, said on the Tennis Channel at the time.&nbsp;

However, the duo had to apologise for&nbsp;a breach of “protocol” at the Australian Open after being taken to task by tournament organizers for an on-court protest against Court.

Court has maintained that she had been treated unfairly due to her views on&nbsp;“gay marriage and all of those areas”&nbsp;while&nbsp;emphasising&nbsp;that people should focus on her on-court achievements.&nbsp;

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest honour next week. Fans criticised the move because of Court's history of anti-gay views.

Controversy has erupted after it was reported that tennis great Margaret Court is set to be awarded Australia's highest honour next week. Fans criticised the move because of Court's history of anti-gay views. Court, who won 24 singles Grand Slam titles in her career and 40 doubles Grand Slams, is to be awarded a Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) - the highest category of honour – after previously receiving the laurel in 2007, the media reported. The tennis great ultimately retrained as a Pentecostal pastor. While Court's award has not been officially confirmed, Victoria state leader Daniel Andrews hinted about it on social media, without naming her as he said he didn't “want to give this person’s disgraceful, bigoted views any oxygen”. “But when others insist on rewarding them with this country’s highest honor – I think it’s worth saying again: Grand Slam wins don’t give you some right to spew hatred and create division,” Andrews said. ALSO READ: IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue' However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he had no “official knowledge” of Court’s award. “It is a system that recognises the full spectrum of individuals across this country,” Morrison said of the awards. Court, in 2019, had criticised transgender athletes and called the teaching of LGBT material in schools the work of devil. The tennis great made the comments at the Perth church which she set up decades back and where she is a pastor now. The 78-year-old was slammed by other tennis greats such as Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe as they said Court's name should be removed from the Melbourne Park showcourt and replaced with that of former world number one, Evonne Goolagong. ALSO READ: South Korean Olympic champion seeks heavier sentence for sex-assault coach “You name buildings after not what people just did on the court, but also off the court, the whole body of work,” Navratilova, an 18-times Grand Slam champion who is openly gay, said on the Tennis Channel at the time. However, the duo had to apologise for a breach of “protocol” at the Australian Open after being taken to task by tournament organizers for an on-court protest against Court. Court has maintained that she had been treated unfairly due to her views on “gay marriage and all of those areas” while emphasising that people should focus on her on-court achievements.

Expected Australia Day 2021 honour for Margaret Court stirs controversy

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;

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"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;

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"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

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

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;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-organisers-say-cancellation-report-fake-news-356195" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics organisers say cancellation report 'fake news'</a>

“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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&nbsp;

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

German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/american-ace-amanda-anisimova-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-reports-355568" hreflang="en">American ace Amanda Anisimova tests positive for coronavirus: Reports</a>

Ferrer was added in Zverev's coaching staff in the middle of the 2020 season after which the player reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he went down to Dominic Thiem after winning the first two sets.&nbsp;

The German ended the 2020 season on a high after he picked up two ATP titles in Cologne and also made the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris.&nbsp;

"I would like to thank David for the months we have shared, the times on and off the court, wishing him only the best in the future," Zverev wrote on his Instagram account.

"I also want to thank his family for giving me the chance to spend precious weeks with David during these difficult times. I have tremendous respect for the way David played and coaches tennis."

He will kick off the 2021 season at the team-based ATP Cup which will be played at Melbourne Park a week before the Australian Open is held at the same venue from February 8.

"I had to decide by the end of the year; I spoke to Alexander and told him that I preferred not to continue working with him in 2021," Ferrer told tennis website Punto de Break.

"There wasn't a particular reason or anything; I just thought the time wasn't right. Everything is fine between us ... I'm not the right person to help Alexander at the moment."

German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media.

German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media. ALSO READ: American ace Amanda Anisimova tests positive for coronavirus: Reports Ferrer was added in Zverev's coaching staff in the middle of the 2020 season after which the player reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he went down to Dominic Thiem after winning the first two sets. The German ended the 2020 season on a high after he picked up two ATP titles in Cologne and also made the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris. "I would like to thank David for the months we have shared, the times on and off the court, wishing him only the best in the future," Zverev wrote on his Instagram account. "I also want to thank his family for giving me the chance to spend precious weeks with David during these difficult times. I have tremendous respect for the way David played and coaches tennis." He will kick off the 2021 season at the team-based ATP Cup which will be played at Melbourne Park a week before the Australian Open is held at the same venue from February 8. "I had to decide by the end of the year; I spoke to Alexander and told him that I preferred not to continue working with him in 2021," Ferrer told tennis website Punto de Break. "There wasn't a particular reason or anything; I just thought the time wasn't right. Everything is fine between us ... I'm not the right person to help Alexander at the moment."

German ace Alexander Zverev parts ways with coach Ferrer ahead of 2021 season

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

British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February.&nbsp;

The tennis open is scheduled to be played next week. Recently, after missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, Murray accepted a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament.&nbsp;

Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings.

"After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday.

"Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open."

Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.

British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February.

British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February. The tennis open is scheduled to be played next week. Recently, after missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, Murray accepted a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament. Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. "After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday. "Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open." Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.

British ace Andy Murray pulls out of Delray Open due to COVID-19 concerns

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.

It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled.

“The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement.

“Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.”

The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run.

The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start.

Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time.

The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday.

The prestigious BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells that was scheduled to be held in California in March has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, organisers said on Tuesday. It marks the second consecutive year the dual ATP-WTA hardcourt event, which is often called the “fifth major” after the four Grand Slam tournaments, has been impacted by the virus as the 2020 edition was cancelled. “The tournament is proactively working with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates later in the year to hold the event,” tournament organisers said in a statement. “Details will be released in the near future as plans are finalised.” The event, which next year was scheduled to be held March 8-21, attracts the game’s top players from both the men’s and women’s sides and in 2019 drew a record 475,000 fans over its two-week run. The 2020 edition was the first major professional sporting event in the United States cancelled in wake of the coronavirus, on the eve of its scheduled start. Men’s tennis governing body ATP also announced the 2021 Indian Wells postponement but said that all subsequent sections of the 2021 calendar, beginning with the spring clay-court season, remain unchanged at this time. The start of the 2021 Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam, has already been delayed for three weeks until Feb. 8 due to the country’s strict border rules to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Indian Wells postponed due to COVID-19 concerns

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime,&nbsp;Australian John Millman,&nbsp;South African Kevin Anderson,&nbsp;Briton Andy Murray&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brazilian Bruno Soares.

In addition,&nbsp;France's Gilles Simon&nbsp;returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers&nbsp;Pablo Andujar&nbsp;of Spain and&nbsp;New Zealander Marcus Daniell&nbsp;will serve their first term.

Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively.

The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021.

It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic.

But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making.

Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022.

Tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, ranked second and fifth in the world respectively, have been re-elected to the ATP players' council, whose term runs until June 2022. The council, as voted by ATP player members, also saw the re-election of Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, Australian John Millman, South African Kevin Anderson, Briton Andy Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares. In addition, France's Gilles Simon returns to the council having served previous terms, while newcomers Pablo Andujar of Spain and New Zealander Marcus Daniell will serve their first term. Briton Colin Dowdeswell and Venezuela's Daniel Vallverdu were elected as representatives of retired players and coaches respectively. The council's president and vice-president will be elected at its first meeting in 2021. It was presided over until last year by world number one Novak Djokovic. But the Serb broke away in August to establish a new players' association which he said would include women and was intended to bring players together to give them a louder voice in decision-making. Federer and Nadal both spoke out against the proposal when it was announced, calling for "unity, not separation".

Federer and Nadal re-elected to ATP players' council

Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday.

Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. He will be joining defending champion Reilly Opelka, top-ranked American John Isner and Canada's Milos Raonic in the Florida field.

The Open is scheduled to be played from January 7-13. It will serve as a preparation for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.

After missing out on most of 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.

Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday.

Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday. Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. He will be joining defending champion Reilly Opelka, top-ranked American John Isner and Canada's Milos Raonic in the Florida field. The Open is scheduled to be played from January 7-13. It will serve as a preparation for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures. Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017. After missing out on most of 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.

Andy Murray to kick-off 2021 season as Delray Beach Open wildcard

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

ATP Tour on Thursday released an update of its calendar for 2021 revising the first seven weeks of the season and announced that the Australian Open will kick-off on February 8, three weeks later than scheduled.

The main draw of the Australian Open was originally about to commence on January 18, however, the organisers of Tennis Australia have been in drawn-out negotiations with local government over Covid-19 health measures.

Tennis Australia was not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

According to ATP release, men’s qualifying for the Australian Open would take place in Doha from January 10-13 before players relocated to Melbourne to enter quarantine.

The ATP tournament that was supposed to be held in Adelaide but has been moved to Melbourne to be played in the week commencing January 31 alongisde another men’s tournament in the city.

A shortened version of the ATP Cup men’s team tournament will take place in Melbourne from February 1-5 before the Grand Slam begins on the following Monday.

The Tennis season will kickoff with tournaments in Delray Beach, Florida and Antalya in Turkey before preparations for Melbourne Park begin.

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

ATP Tour on Thursday released an update of its calendar for 2021 revising the first seven weeks of the season and announced that the Australian Open will kick-off on February 8, three weeks later than scheduled. The main draw of the Australian Open was originally about to commence on January 18, however, the organisers of Tennis Australia have been in drawn-out negotiations with local government over Covid-19 health measures. Tennis Australia was not immediately available for comment. According to ATP release, men’s qualifying for the Australian Open would take place in Doha from January 10-13 before players relocated to Melbourne to enter quarantine. The ATP tournament that was supposed to be held in Adelaide but has been moved to Melbourne to be played in the week commencing January 31 alongisde another men’s tournament in the city. A shortened version of the ATP Cup men’s team tournament will take place in Melbourne from February 1-5 before the Grand Slam begins on the following Monday. The Tennis season will kickoff with tournaments in Delray Beach, Florida and Antalya in Turkey before preparations for Melbourne Park begin.

Australian Open to commence on February 8: ATP

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-likely-to-be-delayed-by-two-weeks-345238">Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks</a>

Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list.&nbsp;

“Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect.

“In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council.

“It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.”&nbsp;

However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.&nbsp;

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis. Also read: Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list. “Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect. “In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council. “It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.” However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic. Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.

Swiss ace Roger Federer accused of 'changing ranking system to protect himself'

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

Tree-covered slopes and pointed summit in a mountain sound as an ordinary hillside. But the mountain just around the Bosnian town of Visoko has found visitors, rising yearly, including highly popular stars like Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player.&nbsp;

A major chunk of people believes that the hill is an ancient man-made pyramid with magical healing powers. Djokovic, known for his new-age spiritual interests, has completed two trips this year. His verdict? “Paradise on earth”.

The mountain is home to a controversial park, the work of Semir Osmanagic, a 60-year-old self-styled explorer, who discovered the area in 2005 – just outside of Sarajevo.&nbsp;

"I saw this hill covered with fir trees and vegetation, its slopes perfectly oriented towards the cardinal points," Osmanagic, wearing a leather jacket and Indiana Jones-style hat, told AFP on a recent weekend while leading a tour group through the site.&nbsp;

<img alt="Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cf775e0-d95e-46aa-afb1-123e71596aac" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VT3XV.jpg" />

"It was obvious to me that it was not a natural hill but the construction" of a "technologically superior civilisation", he said, insisting it is the "largest and oldest pyramid ever built".

However, archaeologists have disputed the theory while terming it as pseudo-science. They said the hill is a geological structure.

In 2006, European archaeologists wrote a letter to the Bosnian authorities as they denounced the “support” given to a "cruel hoax on an unsuspecting public" that "has no place in the world of genuine science".

Despite all this, Osmanagic, previously a US-based businessman, carried out "archaeological excavations" on the hill while bringing hundreds of volunteers from abroad.

<img alt="Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd16487e-bdd2-4a1c-a075-a4a5a38a28a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VT3XT.jpg" />

Osmanagic bought a piece of surrounding land, which he says has a network of tunnels that emit special “energy force” and years later, open the park through his "Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun" foundation.

And now, the park is buzzing with visitors, including high-profile stars. The numbers are just increasing following the last two trips from Djokovic.

In July and October, Djokovic urged “all athletes” to take advantage of the healthy “oxygen” levels after taking a pilgrimage to the park.&nbsp;

"I know there are many doubts and dilemmas about the authenticity (of the place)," he told AFP in October.

But "in order to fully understand what is going on here... you have to come".

<img alt="Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7232cde5-3443-48ea-bc76-11691addf2f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VT3XW.jpg" />

As places are opening up after months of lockdown due to pandemic, weekend crowds are back at the pack.

"The beginning of the season was catastrophic, but since Djokovic has been here, it's been a joy," says Nermin Alihodzic, 47, who sells tourists colourful mini-pyramids and pieces of quartz.

Even though the government stopped backing the park over a decade ago, local authorities have helped finance the reconstruction of nearby facilities to encourage visitors.&nbsp;

A five euro ($5.94) entry fee for the whole park also includes access to the underground tunnel network which Osmanagic claims emit healing electromagnetic waves.&nbsp;

In his tour of the park, Osmanagic takes groups down to the chambers, urging them to hold their hands over a smooth rock and feel the "energy" rising.

Dzenana Halepovic, a 67-year-old visitor from Sarajevo, is a frequent visitor.&nbsp;

In the tunnels "I feel good, I breathe well, I feel light. I simply feel like I'm receiving energy there", she said.

<h2>- Immunity booster –</h2>

Enver Imamovic, a professor emeritus of archaeology, has dismissed the project as a pure scam.&nbsp;

The tunnels are likely "remnants of an ancient gold mine" while wedges of stones on the hillside, which believers consider to be the building blocks of the pyramid, are "nothing more than natural geological formations", he told AFP.&nbsp;

"Everything that is said about the pyramids is absolutely unacceptable".

<img alt="Djokovic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec56a9f-ae8b-467a-9282-3583693271ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8VT3XU.jpg" />

Osmanagic has also promoted the site as a place to “boost immunity” during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

While he insists no cures are guaranteed, he cites other alleged miracles in which people have been healed of hypertension, diabetes or even cancer after a trip to the tunnels.

In a destitute country with a weak health system whose shortcomings have been exposed by the coronavirus crisis, many are drawn to the hope of alternative medicine.

Emina Kavaz, 53, says she is choosing the "pyramids" overtaking medicine for her asthma.

"I used to come every Saturday to go through the tunnels for between 40 and 60 minutes," she said.

(From AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Tree-covered slopes and pointed summit in a mountain sound as an ordinary hillside. But the mountain just around the Bosnian town of Visoko has found visitors, rising yearly, including highly popular stars like Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player.

Tree-covered slopes and pointed summit in a mountain sound as an ordinary hillside. But the mountain just around the Bosnian town of Visoko has found visitors, rising yearly, including highly popular stars like Novak Djokovic, the world number one tennis player. A major chunk of people believes that the hill is an ancient man-made pyramid with magical healing powers. Djokovic, known for his new-age spiritual interests, has completed two trips this year. His verdict? “Paradise on earth”. The mountain is home to a controversial park, the work of Semir Osmanagic, a 60-year-old self-styled explorer, who discovered the area in 2005 – just outside of Sarajevo. "I saw this hill covered with fir trees and vegetation, its slopes perfectly oriented towards the cardinal points," Osmanagic, wearing a leather jacket and Indiana Jones-style hat, told AFP on a recent weekend while leading a tour group through the site. "It was obvious to me that it was not a natural hill but the construction" of a "technologically superior civilisation", he said, insisting it is the "largest and oldest pyramid ever built". However, archaeologists have disputed the theory while terming it as pseudo-science. They said the hill is a geological structure. In 2006, European archaeologists wrote a letter to the Bosnian authorities as they denounced the “support” given to a "cruel hoax on an unsuspecting public" that "has no place in the world of genuine science". Despite all this, Osmanagic, previously a US-based businessman, carried out "archaeological excavations" on the hill while bringing hundreds of volunteers from abroad. Osmanagic bought a piece of surrounding land, which he says has a network of tunnels that emit special “energy force” and years later, open the park through his "Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun" foundation. And now, the park is buzzing with visitors, including high-profile stars. The numbers are just increasing following the last two trips from Djokovic. In July and October, Djokovic urged “all athletes” to take advantage of the healthy “oxygen” levels after taking a pilgrimage to the park. "I know there are many doubts and dilemmas about the authenticity (of the place)," he told AFP in October. But "in order to fully understand what is going on here... you have to come". As places are opening up after months of lockdown due to pandemic, weekend crowds are back at the pack. "The beginning of the season was catastrophic, but since Djokovic has been here, it's been a joy," says Nermin Alihodzic, 47, who sells tourists colourful mini-pyramids and pieces of quartz. Even though the government stopped backing the park over a decade ago, local authorities have helped finance the reconstruction of nearby facilities to encourage visitors. A five euro ($5.94) entry fee for the whole park also includes access to the underground tunnel network which Osmanagic claims emit healing electromagnetic waves. In his tour of the park, Osmanagic takes groups down to the chambers, urging them to hold their hands over a smooth rock and feel the "energy" rising. Dzenana Halepovic, a 67-year-old visitor from Sarajevo, is a frequent visitor. In the tunnels "I feel good, I breathe well, I feel light. I simply feel like I'm receiving energy there", she said. - Immunity booster – Enver Imamovic, a professor emeritus of archaeology, has dismissed the project as a pure scam. The tunnels are likely "remnants of an ancient gold mine" while wedges of stones on the hillside, which believers consider to be the building blocks of the pyramid, are "nothing more than natural geological formations", he told AFP. "Everything that is said about the pyramids is absolutely unacceptable". Osmanagic has also promoted the site as a place to “boost immunity” during the COVID-19 pandemic. While he insists no cures are guaranteed, he cites other alleged miracles in which people have been healed of hypertension, diabetes or even cancer after a trip to the tunnels. In a destitute country with a weak health system whose shortcomings have been exposed by the coronavirus crisis, many are drawn to the hope of alternative medicine. Emina Kavaz, 53, says she is choosing the "pyramids" overtaking medicine for her asthma. "I used to come every Saturday to go through the tunnels for between 40 and 60 minutes," she said. (From AFP inputs)

Scam or immunity booster? Djokovic's presence boost Bosnian 'energy pyramids'

The truncated 2020 tennis season came to an end on Sunday when Daniil Medvedev defeated Dominic Thiem in the championship match of the ATP Finals in London.

AFP Sport looks at five things to remember from the coronavirus-impacted year:

<h2>Djokovic's rollercoaster</h2>

-- Novak Djokovic started the year with an eighth Australian Open and 17th Grand Slam title and finished it by equalling Pete Sampras's record as a year-end world number one for a sixth time.

In between, however, the darker side of the 33-year-old emerged.

While the sport went into coronavirus lockdown, the Serb launched his ill-fated Adria Tour in June.

With no social distancing and with players pictured dancing shirtless at a packed nightclub, Djokovic became one of a number of players to test positive for coronavirus.

Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also became ill and the project was abandoned.

"You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting the next exhibition. That's just so selfish," said Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios.

Djokovic then saw his hopes of an 18th Slam end with a disqualification from the US Open after inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball.

His hopes of becoming the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice ended in a straight sets defeat to Rafael Nadal in the French Open final.

<h2>Nadal's 13th Roland Garros</h2>

-- Rafael Nadal had skipped the US Open, where he was defending champion, due to fears over the escalating health crisis in New York.

The decision paid off as he swept to a 13th Roland Garros and 20th career Grand Slam title in Paris in October.

The French Open had been pushed back four months due to the pandemic and Nadal had entered the tournament fearing the heavier balls and autumn conditions would conspire against him.

He need not have worried as he reached the 100-win mark at the tournament without dropping a set, making light of the 1,000 fans a day limit.

The absent Roger Federer, also a 20-time major winner, hailed it as "one of sport's greatest achievements".

<h2>Game, set, match to coronavirus</h2>

--&nbsp;The global pandemic closed down tennis from March until August.

Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II while Roland Garros was moved from its traditional May/June slot to September/October.

The Davis Cup and Fed Cup finals were binned as were the ATP and WTA end-of-season Asian swings.

Most events were played behind closed doors. Players racquet-tapped instead of shaking hands and were told to fetch their own towels.

<h2>Kenin and Swiatek give Slams new look</h2>

-- Serena Williams' quest for a record-equalling 24th Slam goes on after another season of frustration at the Slams.

The 39-year-old lost in the third round in Australia, semi-finals of the US Open and pulled out injured after the first round of the French Open.

With number one Ashleigh Barty not playing at all after the resumption, something of a power vacuum emerged.

Sofia Kenin had already claimed a maiden Slam at the Australian Open while Naomi Osaka claimed a second US Open and third career major in New York.

Kenin's hopes of a second Slam in 2020 were undone by charismatic Iga Swiatek of Poland who won a shock French Open.

The 19-year-old, at 54, was the lowest-ranked woman to capture the Roland Garros title in the modern era and was Poland's first ever major champion.

<h2>Freeze -- you're number one</h2>

-- The chaos caused to tennis by the pandemic saw the governing bodies freeze world rankings from March, allowing points to extend beyond the traditional 52-week window.

Barty remained world number one despite playing just three events -- winning the Adelaide tournament followed by semi-final runs at the Australian Open and Qatar Open.

Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu didn't play a single match in 2020 after injuring her knee at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen in October last year.

The Canadian will still finish at seven in the rankings.

Roger Federer will end 2020 ranked at five following a season where he only played the Australian Open before undergoing knee surgery.

The truncated 2020 tennis season came to an end on Sunday when Daniil Medvedev defeated Dominic Thiem in the championship match of the ATP Finals in London. AFP Sport looks at five things to remember from the coronavirus-impacted year: Djokovic's rollercoaster -- Novak Djokovic started the year with an eighth Australian Open and 17th Grand Slam title and finished it by equalling Pete Sampras's record as a year-end world number one for a sixth time.

The truncated 2020 tennis season came to an end on Sunday when Daniil Medvedev defeated Dominic Thiem in the championship match of the ATP Finals in London. AFP Sport looks at five things to remember from the coronavirus-impacted year: Djokovic's rollercoaster -- Novak Djokovic started the year with an eighth Australian Open and 17th Grand Slam title and finished it by equalling Pete Sampras's record as a year-end world number one for a sixth time. In between, however, the darker side of the 33-year-old emerged. While the sport went into coronavirus lockdown, the Serb launched his ill-fated Adria Tour in June. With no social distancing and with players pictured dancing shirtless at a packed nightclub, Djokovic became one of a number of players to test positive for coronavirus. Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also became ill and the project was abandoned. "You can't be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck hosting the next exhibition. That's just so selfish," said Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic then saw his hopes of an 18th Slam end with a disqualification from the US Open after inadvertently hitting a line judge with a ball. His hopes of becoming the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice ended in a straight sets defeat to Rafael Nadal in the French Open final. Nadal's 13th Roland Garros -- Rafael Nadal had skipped the US Open, where he was defending champion, due to fears over the escalating health crisis in New York. The decision paid off as he swept to a 13th Roland Garros and 20th career Grand Slam title in Paris in October. The French Open had been pushed back four months due to the pandemic and Nadal had entered the tournament fearing the heavier balls and autumn conditions would conspire against him. He need not have worried as he reached the 100-win mark at the tournament without dropping a set, making light of the 1,000 fans a day limit. The absent Roger Federer, also a 20-time major winner, hailed it as "one of sport's greatest achievements". Game, set, match to coronavirus -- The global pandemic closed down tennis from March until August. Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time since World War II while Roland Garros was moved from its traditional May/June slot to September/October. The Davis Cup and Fed Cup finals were binned as were the ATP and WTA end-of-season Asian swings. Most events were played behind closed doors. Players racquet-tapped instead of shaking hands and were told to fetch their own towels. Kenin and Swiatek give Slams new look -- Serena Williams' quest for a record-equalling 24th Slam goes on after another season of frustration at the Slams. The 39-year-old lost in the third round in Australia, semi-finals of the US Open and pulled out injured after the first round of the French Open. With number one Ashleigh Barty not playing at all after the resumption, something of a power vacuum emerged. Sofia Kenin had already claimed a maiden Slam at the Australian Open while Naomi Osaka claimed a second US Open and third career major in New York. Kenin's hopes of a second Slam in 2020 were undone by charismatic Iga Swiatek of Poland who won a shock French Open. The 19-year-old, at 54, was the lowest-ranked woman to capture the Roland Garros title in the modern era and was Poland's first ever major champion. Freeze -- you're number one -- The chaos caused to tennis by the pandemic saw the governing bodies freeze world rankings from March, allowing points to extend beyond the traditional 52-week window. Barty remained world number one despite playing just three events -- winning the Adelaide tournament followed by semi-final runs at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. Former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu didn't play a single match in 2020 after injuring her knee at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen in October last year. The Canadian will still finish at seven in the rankings. Roger Federer will end 2020 ranked at five following a season where he only played the Australian Open before undergoing knee surgery.

Five talking points from the 2020 tennis season

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday.

The Russian fourth seed was second best for large periods at the empty O2 Arena but found a way back into the contest and prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4.

Medvedev, who beat five-time champion Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafael Nadal earlier in the week, is the first man to beat all three of the world's top-ranked players at the season finale.

The giant Russian, 24, has now won 10 consecutive matches following his title earlier this month at the Paris Masters and his victory will taste sweet a year after a winless debut in London.

But it is a painful defeat for Thiem, who also lost in the final of the elite eight-man event last year, to Stefanos Tsitsipas.

"What a match," said Medvedev. "One of my best victories, two hours and 42 minutes, three sets against an amazing player.

"Dominic, congratulations already for what you achieved in your career. Your name is already in the history of tennis books.&nbsp;

"It is amazing. You won a Grand Slam this year. You are playing unbelievable. I hope we are going to have many more matches to come on the big occasions like this."

&nbsp;

<h2>- Thiem pressure -</h2>

&nbsp;

Thiem weathered early pressure from Medvedev and secured the first break of the match in the fifth game, when the Russian served a double fault.

He sealed the set in fortunate fashion when his forehand clipped the net and looped over Medvedev's racket.

Medvedev, who came from a set down against Nadal in Saturday's last-four contest, made a solid start to the second set.

But Thiem held to love in the fourth game, looking comfortable as the giant Russian sought a way back into the match.

The 27-year-old third seed had chances to earn a potentially decisive break but they slipped by and he yelled in frustration as he squandered his opportunities.

The Austrian took a tumble onto the blue court at the start of the eighth game and found himself break point down but toughed it out, with Medvedev looking stronger as the set wore on.

The second set went to a tie-break. Having recovered from 0-4 to win the deciding tie-break against Djokovic on Saturday, Thiem got a taste of his own medicine as Medvedev turned a 2-0 deficit into a 7-2 victory.

The Austrian appeared to be struggling to cope with the punishing pace in the third set and Medvedev did not give him the rhythm to get his big groundstrokes flowing.

He finally cracked in the fifth game, when the Russian produced a volley at the net to break.

Thiem remained under pressure and had to battle hard to avoid going down another break.

But all Medvedev now had to do was keep his nerve. He did so as he served out for victory.

"Of course, I am disappointed, but at the same time I am also proud of the performance of all the week," said Thiem. "Daniil really deserved it. It was an amazing match."

Medvedev is the first Russian to win the ATP Finals since 2009, when Nikolay Davydenko triumphed at the first edition of the season finale held in London. Next year, the tournament moves to Turin in Italy.

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday.

Daniil Medvedev came from behind to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem in a gripping encounter and win the biggest title of his career at the ATP Finals in London on Sunday. The Russian fourth seed was second best for large periods at the empty O2 Arena but found a way back into the contest and prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Medvedev, who beat five-time champion Novak Djokovic and world number two Rafael Nadal earlier in the week, is the first man to beat all three of the world's top-ranked players at the season finale. The giant Russian, 24, has now won 10 consecutive matches following his title earlier this month at the Paris Masters and his victory will taste sweet a year after a winless debut in London. But it is a painful defeat for Thiem, who also lost in the final of the elite eight-man event last year, to Stefanos Tsitsipas. "What a match," said Medvedev. "One of my best victories, two hours and 42 minutes, three sets against an amazing player. "Dominic, congratulations already for what you achieved in your career. Your name is already in the history of tennis books. "It is amazing. You won a Grand Slam this year. You are playing unbelievable. I hope we are going to have many more matches to come on the big occasions like this." - Thiem pressure - Thiem weathered early pressure from Medvedev and secured the first break of the match in the fifth game, when the Russian served a double fault. He sealed the set in fortunate fashion when his forehand clipped the net and looped over Medvedev's racket. Medvedev, who came from a set down against Nadal in Saturday's last-four contest, made a solid start to the second set. But Thiem held to love in the fourth game, looking comfortable as the giant Russian sought a way back into the match. The 27-year-old third seed had chances to earn a potentially decisive break but they slipped by and he yelled in frustration as he squandered his opportunities. The Austrian took a tumble onto the blue court at the start of the eighth game and found himself break point down but toughed it out, with Medvedev looking stronger as the set wore on. The second set went to a tie-break. Having recovered from 0-4 to win the deciding tie-break against Djokovic on Saturday, Thiem got a taste of his own medicine as Medvedev turned a 2-0 deficit into a 7-2 victory. The Austrian appeared to be struggling to cope with the punishing pace in the third set and Medvedev did not give him the rhythm to get his big groundstrokes flowing. He finally cracked in the fifth game, when the Russian produced a volley at the net to break. Thiem remained under pressure and had to battle hard to avoid going down another break. But all Medvedev now had to do was keep his nerve. He did so as he served out for victory. "Of course, I am disappointed, but at the same time I am also proud of the performance of all the week," said Thiem. "Daniil really deserved it. It was an amazing match." Medvedev is the first Russian to win the ATP Finals since 2009, when Nikolay Davydenko triumphed at the first edition of the season finale held in London. Next year, the tournament moves to Turin in Italy.

Medvedev beats Thiem to win ATP Finals title

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running.

The Russian fourth seed went toe to toe with the world number one, winning 6-3, 6-3 in an absorbing, energy-sapping contest at London's empty O2 Arena.

Earlier, German fifth seed Zverev beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, bouncing back from defeat to Medvedev in his opening Group Tokyo 1970 match.

Top seed Djokovic is seeking to match the record of six-time winner Roger Federer, who is absent from the season-ending tournament with an injury.

But Medvedev, who won the Paris Masters last week, beat Djokovic at his own game, grinding him down in a near-flawless defensive display.

The giant Russian earned a clutch of early break points and eventually made one count in the seventh game, which lasted 11 gruelling minutes.

The 24-year-old held serve easily in the next game and seized the opening set 6-3 when a rattled Djokovic double-faulted.

An increasingly confident Medvedev broke the 17-time Grand Slam champion again at the start of the second set to win his sixth game in a row in the round-robin match.

Djokovic stopped the rot on his own serve but was able to force just one break point, which he could not convert.

The victory takes Medvedev through to the semi-finals but five-time winner Djokovic still has a chance to progress in a shootout with Zverev on Friday.

"Always I like to pay Novak, first of all because he's one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport and when I was eight years old I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams," said Medvedev.

"He was still young -- so it was always a dream come true to play against him."

"I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments and that's why I got the win," added the Russian, who lost all three of his matches on his debut last year.

<h2>- Zverev win -</h2>

Zverev, the 2018 champion, looked out of sorts in his straight-sets defeat against Medvedev on Monday and again struggled to find early rhythm in the early match in London.

The big-serving German was broken by Schwartzman in the third game but turned the tables with two breaks of his own to take the set.

Zverev who stands 28 centimetres (11 inches) taller than Schwartzman, appeared to be in control in the second set but stumbled twice on serve as his 28-year-old opponent levelled the match.

The momentum appeared to be with the Argentine but the match changed direction again in the fifth game of the decider when Zverev broke with a fine backhand volley, repeating the feat to seal the win.

"I'm excited for Friday," said Zverev. "Friday's going to be the most difficult match-up that you can have here, against Novak."

The German, who has won two titles in the coronavirus-truncated 2020 season, beat Djokovic in the final in London two years ago but is yet to win a Grand Slam.

Dominic Thiem is in charge of Group London 2020 after beating second seed Rafael Nadal on Tuesday to make it two wins out of two.

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running.

Daniil Medvedev shocked Novak Djokovic in straight sets to book a place in the last four at the ATP Finals on Wednesday as former champion Alexander Zverev got his campaign up and running. The Russian fourth seed went toe to toe with the world number one, winning 6-3, 6-3 in an absorbing, energy-sapping contest at London's empty O2 Arena. Earlier, German fifth seed Zverev beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, bouncing back from defeat to Medvedev in his opening Group Tokyo 1970 match. Top seed Djokovic is seeking to match the record of six-time winner Roger Federer, who is absent from the season-ending tournament with an injury. But Medvedev, who won the Paris Masters last week, beat Djokovic at his own game, grinding him down in a near-flawless defensive display. The giant Russian earned a clutch of early break points and eventually made one count in the seventh game, which lasted 11 gruelling minutes. The 24-year-old held serve easily in the next game and seized the opening set 6-3 when a rattled Djokovic double-faulted. An increasingly confident Medvedev broke the 17-time Grand Slam champion again at the start of the second set to win his sixth game in a row in the round-robin match. Djokovic stopped the rot on his own serve but was able to force just one break point, which he could not convert. The victory takes Medvedev through to the semi-finals but five-time winner Djokovic still has a chance to progress in a shootout with Zverev on Friday. "Always I like to pay Novak, first of all because he's one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport and when I was eight years old I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams," said Medvedev. "He was still young -- so it was always a dream come true to play against him." "I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments and that's why I got the win," added the Russian, who lost all three of his matches on his debut last year. - Zverev win - Zverev, the 2018 champion, looked out of sorts in his straight-sets defeat against Medvedev on Monday and again struggled to find early rhythm in the early match in London. The big-serving German was broken by Schwartzman in the third game but turned the tables with two breaks of his own to take the set. Zverev who stands 28 centimetres (11 inches) taller than Schwartzman, appeared to be in control in the second set but stumbled twice on serve as his 28-year-old opponent levelled the match. The momentum appeared to be with the Argentine but the match changed direction again in the fifth game of the decider when Zverev broke with a fine backhand volley, repeating the feat to seal the win. "I'm excited for Friday," said Zverev. "Friday's going to be the most difficult match-up that you can have here, against Novak." The German, who has won two titles in the coronavirus-truncated 2020 season, beat Djokovic in the final in London two years ago but is yet to win a Grand Slam. Dominic Thiem is in charge of Group London 2020 after beating second seed Rafael Nadal on Tuesday to make it two wins out of two.

Medvedev destroys Djokovic at ATP Finals as Zverev bounces back

Rafael Nadal insisted he can still win the ATP Finals for the first time despite a damaging 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) defeat against Austria's Dominic Thiem on Tuesday.

Thiem overpowered Nadal behind closed doors at London's O2 Arena to put a dent in the Spanish star's bid to finally lift the one major prize missing from his packed trophy cabinet.

Thiem became the first player to qualify for the semi-finals a few hours later when reigning champion Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6).

Nadal, who lost the 2010 and 2013 finals of the event, has to beat Tsitsipas in his last group match to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious season-ending tournament.

Despite his perilous position, Nadal goes into the showdown against Tsitsipas, with the winner guaranteed to progress to the last four, in confident mood after battling hard against the inspired Thiem.

"He played I think an amazing match, and I played well too. So my feeling is not negative. I lost, but I had plenty of chances, said Nadal, who had beaten Rublev in straight sets in his first match.

"I'm happy with the way I played. I think my chances are bigger to have a very good result now than five days ago because the level of tennis, even if I lost today, for me is much higher."

Nadal, who last month equalled Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slams by winning the French Open, has won 86 titles but just one of those has come on an indoor hard court.

The world number two has qualified for the ATP Finals for 16 years in a row, but his record at the eight-man elite event pales in comparison with Federer and Novak Djokovic after six injury withdrawals.

<h2>- 'I have my chances' -</h2>

Potentially facing another disappointment in the Finals, Nadal said he couldn't explain his problems at the event.

"I think even if I never won here, I don't want to pretend to be arrogant at all, because I am not. But I really don't need to show even to myself or to no one that if I am playing my best tennis I think I can win in every surface and against any player," he said.

"I never won in the World Tour Finals. That's the real thing at the same time. I have a match against Tsitsipas in two days. Gonna be another tough one.&nbsp;

"I hope to be ready. I think playing like this I am confident that I can have my chances in the tournament."

World number three Thiem, who defeated Tsitsipas in his opening match, has won his first two matches in this year's tournament as he looks to go one better than last year's runner-up finish.

The 27-year-old has already enjoyed a year to remember, reaching two Grand Slam finals and winning one of the four majors for the first time when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the US Open final in September.

"It's definitely one of the better matches I've played so far in my career," Thiem said.

"I think that today I played a little bit higher level than at the US Open. It was maybe the best match from me since the restart of the tour and that makes me super happy."

Tsitsipas saved a match point in the final set tie-break against Rublev before the Greek sixth seed sealed his first win of the week and eliminated his opponent.

"I'm relieved all that effort and fight on the court paid off at the end. I showed determination to not give up when he had match point," Tsitsipas said.

"I'm going to try and play an aggressive game against Rafa. You can't be defensive. I have to start strong and finish even stronger."

Rafael Nadal insisted he can still win the ATP Finals for the first time despite a damaging 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) defeat against Austria's Dominic Thiem on Tuesday.

Rafael Nadal insisted he can still win the ATP Finals for the first time despite a damaging 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) defeat against Austria's Dominic Thiem on Tuesday. Thiem overpowered Nadal behind closed doors at London's O2 Arena to put a dent in the Spanish star's bid to finally lift the one major prize missing from his packed trophy cabinet. Thiem became the first player to qualify for the semi-finals a few hours later when reigning champion Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6). Nadal, who lost the 2010 and 2013 finals of the event, has to beat Tsitsipas in his last group match to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious season-ending tournament. Despite his perilous position, Nadal goes into the showdown against Tsitsipas, with the winner guaranteed to progress to the last four, in confident mood after battling hard against the inspired Thiem. "He played I think an amazing match, and I played well too. So my feeling is not negative. I lost, but I had plenty of chances, said Nadal, who had beaten Rublev in straight sets in his first match. "I'm happy with the way I played. I think my chances are bigger to have a very good result now than five days ago because the level of tennis, even if I lost today, for me is much higher." Nadal, who last month equalled Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slams by winning the French Open, has won 86 titles but just one of those has come on an indoor hard court. The world number two has qualified for the ATP Finals for 16 years in a row, but his record at the eight-man elite event pales in comparison with Federer and Novak Djokovic after six injury withdrawals. - 'I have my chances' - Potentially facing another disappointment in the Finals, Nadal said he couldn't explain his problems at the event. "I think even if I never won here, I don't want to pretend to be arrogant at all, because I am not. But I really don't need to show even to myself or to no one that if I am playing my best tennis I think I can win in every surface and against any player," he said. "I never won in the World Tour Finals. That's the real thing at the same time. I have a match against Tsitsipas in two days. Gonna be another tough one. "I hope to be ready. I think playing like this I am confident that I can have my chances in the tournament." World number three Thiem, who defeated Tsitsipas in his opening match, has won his first two matches in this year's tournament as he looks to go one better than last year's runner-up finish. The 27-year-old has already enjoyed a year to remember, reaching two Grand Slam finals and winning one of the four majors for the first time when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the US Open final in September. "It's definitely one of the better matches I've played so far in my career," Thiem said. "I think that today I played a little bit higher level than at the US Open. It was maybe the best match from me since the restart of the tour and that makes me super happy." Tsitsipas saved a match point in the final set tie-break against Rublev before the Greek sixth seed sealed his first win of the week and eliminated his opponent. "I'm relieved all that effort and fight on the court paid off at the end. I showed determination to not give up when he had match point," Tsitsipas said. "I'm going to try and play an aggressive game against Rafa. You can't be defensive. I have to start strong and finish even stronger."

Nadal faces Tsitsipas showdown after Thiem loss at ATP Finals

Rafael Nadal launched his bid for a first ATP Finals trophy in style on Sunday, taming in-form Andrey Rublev in straight sets in London after Dominic Thiem beat Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The Spanish world number two, chasing the biggest prize missing from his glittering resume, barely broke sweat as he outclassed the Russian debutant 6-3, 6-4 at the empty O2 Arena.

Earlier, US Open champion Thiem avenged his defeat by Tsitsipas in the championship match last year, beating the Greek sixth seed 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3.

Nadal, who last month equalled Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slams by winning the French Open, has won 86 titles but just one of those has come on an indoor hard court.

His record at the eight-man elite event pales in comparison with his main rivals. Federer, who is absent with injury, has won it a record six times and Novak Djokovic has triumphed five times.

Nadal, 34, and Rublev both held serve comfortably in the early stages of their Group London 2020 round-robin match.

But the Spaniard, who was comprehensively outserving his 23-year-old opponent, made his move in the sixth game, breaking the Russian, who hurled his racket to the ground in frustration, and wrapping up the set with the minimum of fuss.

Rublev, who has won a tour-leading five titles during the coronavirus-interrupted 2020 season,&nbsp;was broken again in the first game of the second set, leaving him with a mountain to climb.

The seventh seed upped his first-serve percentage but it was too little too late.

Nadal did not face a break point in the entire 77-minute match.

"Always the first match is very tricky," said Nadal. "Every match is difficult when you're playing against the best of the best so it's a positive start for me, very happy."

"I think my serve worked very well tonight so that's a bit of help always on these surfaces," added the two-time finalist.&nbsp;

"I had my few chances on the return and I converted."&nbsp;

The French Open champion said winning in straight sets was a big confidence boost ahead of his "super-difficult match" against Thiem on Tuesday.

The Spaniard has qualified for the ATP Finals for a record 16 consecutive years but has been forced to withdraw on six occasions.

A combination of injuries and his preference for other surfaces has counted against him but his greater freshness as a result of a shorter season may boost his chances this year.

<h2>- Thiem revenge -</h2>

In the opening match on Sunday, Austria's Thiem missed a clutch of break points against Tsitsipas but battled back from 4-1 down in the first set tie-break to take the lead.

The defending champion broke early in the second set to level the match and appeared to have the momentum but Thiem rallied impressively, earning a break with a delicately dinked forehand in the second game of the decider, which proved decisive.

"I think the level was higher last year," said Thiem.&nbsp;

"We were both in great shape last year in the final, we wanted that title 100 percent. The atmosphere was insane last year in the final and today was a little bit different."

Earlier, Novak Djokovic received the ATP Tour No. 1 trophy after finishing the year at the top of the rankings for a record-equalling sixth time.

The top seed, who is competing in Group Tokyo 1970 alongside Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Diego Schwartzman, plays his opening match on Monday.

The O2 Arena is hosting the ATP Finals for the 12th and final season before the year-end championships moves to Turin next year.

Rafael Nadal launched his bid for a first ATP Finals trophy in style on Sunday, taming in-form Andrey Rublev in straight sets in London after Dominic Thiem beat Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Rafael Nadal launched his bid for a first ATP Finals trophy in style on Sunday, taming in-form Andrey Rublev in straight sets in London after Dominic Thiem beat Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Spanish world number two, chasing the biggest prize missing from his glittering resume, barely broke sweat as he outclassed the Russian debutant 6-3, 6-4 at the empty O2 Arena. Earlier, US Open champion Thiem avenged his defeat by Tsitsipas in the championship match last year, beating the Greek sixth seed 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-3. Nadal, who last month equalled Roger Federer's record of 20 Grand Slams by winning the French Open, has won 86 titles but just one of those has come on an indoor hard court. His record at the eight-man elite event pales in comparison with his main rivals. Federer, who is absent with injury, has won it a record six times and Novak Djokovic has triumphed five times. Nadal, 34, and Rublev both held serve comfortably in the early stages of their Group London 2020 round-robin match. But the Spaniard, who was comprehensively outserving his 23-year-old opponent, made his move in the sixth game, breaking the Russian, who hurled his racket to the ground in frustration, and wrapping up the set with the minimum of fuss. Rublev, who has won a tour-leading five titles during the coronavirus-interrupted 2020 season, was broken again in the first game of the second set, leaving him with a mountain to climb. The seventh seed upped his first-serve percentage but it was too little too late. Nadal did not face a break point in the entire 77-minute match. "Always the first match is very tricky," said Nadal. "Every match is difficult when you're playing against the best of the best so it's a positive start for me, very happy." "I think my serve worked very well tonight so that's a bit of help always on these surfaces," added the two-time finalist. "I had my few chances on the return and I converted." The French Open champion said winning in straight sets was a big confidence boost ahead of his "super-difficult match" against Thiem on Tuesday. The Spaniard has qualified for the ATP Finals for a record 16 consecutive years but has been forced to withdraw on six occasions. A combination of injuries and his preference for other surfaces has counted against him but his greater freshness as a result of a shorter season may boost his chances this year. - Thiem revenge - In the opening match on Sunday, Austria's Thiem missed a clutch of break points against Tsitsipas but battled back from 4-1 down in the first set tie-break to take the lead. The defending champion broke early in the second set to level the match and appeared to have the momentum but Thiem rallied impressively, earning a break with a delicately dinked forehand in the second game of the decider, which proved decisive. "I think the level was higher last year," said Thiem. "We were both in great shape last year in the final, we wanted that title 100 percent. The atmosphere was insane last year in the final and today was a little bit different." Earlier, Novak Djokovic received the ATP Tour No. 1 trophy after finishing the year at the top of the rankings for a record-equalling sixth time. The top seed, who is competing in Group Tokyo 1970 alongside Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev and Diego Schwartzman, plays his opening match on Monday. The O2 Arena is hosting the ATP Finals for the 12th and final season before the year-end championships moves to Turin next year.

Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling".&nbsp;

The Serbian has had a good 2020 season. He won a record-extending eighth Australian Open as well as a record 36th Masters title in Rome, winning four singles titles in all en route to the year-ending number one ranking.

Novak Djokovic held a 39-3 record this season despite plenty cancellations and suspensions between March and August due to the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

"Obviously, I'm super proud of it, but I have mixed emotions because of what's going on in the world," Djokovic told the ATP Tour website.

"I can't be ignorant to that, although I have achieved one of the biggest goals in sport. I feel for many people in the world going through hardship and my heart goes out to them."

Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. He even equalled his childhood hero Pete Sampras' record who ended the year as number one six times from 1993 to 1998.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling".

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling". The Serbian has had a good 2020 season. He won a record-extending eighth Australian Open as well as a record 36th Masters title in Rome, winning four singles titles in all en route to the year-ending number one ranking. Novak Djokovic held a 39-3 record this season despite plenty cancellations and suspensions between March and August due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Obviously, I'm super proud of it, but I have mixed emotions because of what's going on in the world," Djokovic told the ATP Tour website. "I can't be ignorant to that, although I have achieved one of the biggest goals in sport. I feel for many people in the world going through hardship and my heart goes out to them." Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. He even equalled his childhood hero Pete Sampras' record who ended the year as number one six times from 1993 to 1998.

'Strange feeling': Novak Djokovic on ending 2020 season as world no. 1

From having intriguing matches with players on the tennis court to indulging in hilarious interactions, world number one Novak Djokovic is one of most expressive athletes in the world of sport. Djokovic recently tried imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration as CR7 responded to the Serbian ace in what has been a treat for the fans on social media.&nbsp;

Djokovic took to social media platform Twitter recently to post a video in which he was seen replicating Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration.

While Djokovic tagged Ronaldo while asking how did he fare, the Portuguese stalwart replied as he gave his verdict on the video.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-cruises-at-atp-finals-as-thiem-takes-revenge-against-tsitsipas-343415" hreflang="en">Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas</a>

The viral video was initially shared by the official Twitter handle of ATP Tour amid the ongoing ATP Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London.&nbsp;

Djokovic asked: "@Cristiano how did I do?”. Ronaldo, in a goofy reply, reverted “Not bad bro”.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> how did I do? 😂 <a href="https://t.co/cF1CQ0noPW">https://t.co/cF1CQ0noPW</a>
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1327332291417415685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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not bad bro🤔😅
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1327556363434725376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Djokovic is now eyeing a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title at O2 arena this season after not winning the tournament since 2015.

He recently equalised Pete Sampras’ record of ending six consecutive seasons as number one.

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"Coming into the tournament and knowing that I have clinched the year-end number one releases some of the pressure, definitely. But at the same time it doesn't change what I hope to achieve in this tournament and why I'm here," Djokovic was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been on fire for Juventus and Portugal since returning negative for COVID-19. The former Real Madrid forward was forced into self-isolation after testing positive for the dreaded virus and spent around two weeks recovering from it.

However, since then he has scored goals in almost every match he has played and is currently on a top spell in front of the goal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

From having intriguing matches with players on the tennis court to indulging in hilarious interactions, world number one Novak Djokovic is one of most expressive athletes in the world of sport.

From having intriguing matches with players on the tennis court to indulging in hilarious interactions, world number one Novak Djokovic is one of most expressive athletes in the world of sport. Djokovic recently tried imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration as CR7 responded to the Serbian ace in what has been a treat for the fans on social media. Djokovic took to social media platform Twitter recently to post a video in which he was seen replicating Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration. While Djokovic tagged Ronaldo while asking how did he fare, the Portuguese stalwart replied as he gave his verdict on the video. ALSO READ: Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas The viral video was initially shared by the official Twitter handle of ATP Tour amid the ongoing ATP Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London. Djokovic asked: "@Cristiano how did I do?”. Ronaldo, in a goofy reply, reverted “Not bad bro”. .@Cristiano how did I do? 😂 https://t.co/cF1CQ0noPW — Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) November 13, 2020 × not bad bro🤔😅 — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) November 14, 2020 × Djokovic is now eyeing a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title at O2 arena this season after not winning the tournament since 2015. He recently equalised Pete Sampras’ record of ending six consecutive seasons as number one. ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton: The world champion some find hard to like "Coming into the tournament and knowing that I have clinched the year-end number one releases some of the pressure, definitely. But at the same time it doesn't change what I hope to achieve in this tournament and why I'm here," Djokovic was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has been on fire for Juventus and Portugal since returning negative for COVID-19. The former Real Madrid forward was forced into self-isolation after testing positive for the dreaded virus and spent around two weeks recovering from it. However, since then he has scored goals in almost every match he has played and is currently on a top spell in front of the goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo reverts after Novak Djokovic replicates iconic 'Siu' celebration

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