Izuchukwu Okosi
Radacanu To Face Sloane Stephens
World number 1 Novak Djokovic has been drawn against unseeded fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the Australian Open which tees off on Monday as he awaits a decision on whether or not he will be allowed to remain in the country.
Djokovic a top seed seeking a 21st Grand Slam title and fourth successive Australian Open crown, saw his visa refused upon his arrival in Melbourne last week due to questions over his COVID-19 vaccination exemption.
Although the Serbian won a subsequent court appeal against the cancellation, however, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is personally empowered to revoke his visa for a second time and is still mulling over a decision.
Andy Murray who was former world No 1 takes on 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, having beaten the Georgian 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 over three hours to reach the Sydney quarter-finals on Wednesday.
British No 1 Cameron Norrie meets American Sebastian Korda and Dan Evans comes up against David Goffin of Belgium.
British women’s No 1 and reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu will meet American world number 68 Sloane Stephens after her final match in preparation for the tournament ended in a 6-0 6-1 defeat to Elena Rybakina at the Sydney Classic.
World No 1 Ash Barty and fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios begin their home tournament up against qualifiers and defending champion Naomi Osaka opens her defence versus Colombia’s Camila Osorio.
