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Novak Djokovic remains on Australian Open entry list but seven-time champion Serena Williams is a shock out

Marc McGowanNCA NewsWire
Australian Sam Stosur will require a wildcard to compete in a 20th Australian Open singles draw. Alex Coppel
Camera IconAustralian Sam Stosur will require a wildcard to compete in a 20th Australian Open singles draw. Alex Coppel Credit: News Corp Australia

Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic remains on the Australian Open entry list and looks set to play in next month’s tournament – but Serena Williams isn’t coming.

There was no warning about Williams’ absence, with the tennis world’s attention all focused on Djokovic in the lead-up.

But neither seven-time winner Williams nor 2019 US Open titlist Bianca Andreescu will be at Melbourne Park, while 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka and Guido Pella are out on the men’s side.

The 40-year-old American last played at Wimbledon in July, when she retired in the first round with a hamstring injury.

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Australian Sam Stosur will also require a wildcard to compete in the AO main draw for a 20th and almost certainly final time.

Tournament officials say Djokovic’s name being on the entry list isn’t a guarantee he will be at Melbourne Park.

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He consistently dodged questions in recent times about whether he would make the trip to Melbourne, given the Victorian government’s strict Covid-19 vaccine mandate.

But a day after ATP Cup organisers revealed he had committed to their teams event, the world No. 1 also looks poised to head to the Australian Open.

The news follows Tennis Australia releasing a statement on Wednesday, saying it had no influence on whether Djokovic would be in the country to try to break the all-time men’s grand slam titles record.

“Any application for a medical exemption must follow strict government guidelines based on ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation),” the TA statement read.

“This is the same process that applies to any person wanting to enter Australia.”

The TA statement also vigorously denied the organisation was trying to find “loopholes” to ensure Djokovic’s involvement.

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Camera IconAustralian Sam Stosur will require a wildcard to compete in a 20th Australian Open singles draw. Alex Coppel Credit: News Corp Australia

“Adjudicating on medical exemptions is the domain of independent medical experts,” the statement said.

“We are not in a position to influence this process, nor should we.

“The safety of everyone is always our priority as we plan for Australian Open 2022 and all lead-in events.”

News Corp Australia reported on Tuesday that it was believed Djokovic had grounds to apply for an exemption and had Tennis Australia’s backing.

But the Victorian government continues to be adamant that no unvaccinated tennis players will be allowed to play in January’s grand slam tournament.

Originally published as Novak Djokovic remains on Australian Open entry list but seven-time champion Serena Williams is a shock out

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