Australian Open: Novak Djokovic part of entry list, Serena Williams withdraws, check details: World No 1 Novak Djokovic was named in the official entry list for next year’s Australian Open on Wednesday but 23-times Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams was not included. The 40-year-old had to withdraw due to fitness issues. Follow Australian Open Live updates on InsideSport.IN
Serena Williams confirmed that she will not contest the Australian Open next month. The Australian Open’s website said the seven-time women’s singles champion would not compete in Melbourne “following advice from her medical team”.
“While this is never an easy decision to make, I am not where I need to be physically to compete,” Williams told the website.
“Melbourne is one of my favourite cities to visit and I look forward to playing at the AO every year. I will miss seeing the fans, but am excited to return and compete at my highest level.”
All our love, @serenawilliams 💙
Come back stronger 💪 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/HrrG1FFILF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 8, 2021
Djokovic, who was also on the entry list for the ATP Cup in Sydney when that was released on Tuesday, has declined to disclose his vaccination status despite everyone at Melbourne Park needing to be inoculated against COVID-19.
#AO2022 main draw entry list 👇#AusOpen
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 8, 2021
Australian Open: Novak Djokovic part of entry list, Serena Williams absent
Williams, who won the last of her seven Australian Open titles in 2017, had an injury-disrupted season and has not played since she limped out of her first-round match at Wimbledon in tears due to the leg injury.
All our love, @serenawilliams 💙
Come back stronger 💪 #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/HrrG1FFILF
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 8, 2021
Australian Open: Tournament organiser Craig Tiley said last month that the 40-year-old American, who needs one more Grand Slam title to match Margaret Court’s record of 24, would be playing at Melbourne Park from Jan. 17 to 30.
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