MELBOURNE, 13 January, 2022 (AFP) — Serbian Novak Djokovic has been included in the first round of the Australian Open despite uncertainty over his participation, where he will face fellow countryman Miomir Kekmanovic, while Spain’s Rafael Nadal faces American Marcos. Will play Giron. ,
The two stars are fighting to win in Melbourne, what would be their 21st Grand Slam title, an all-time record on the men’s circuit, and breaking a triple tie with Swiss Roger Federer (all three have 20 titles), absent from the tournament. to be hurt.
If both advance to their respective draws, they will face each other in the semi-finals.
Amid speculation about Djokovic’s involvement, threatened with deportation after the saga for his visa, the drawing of the painting was delayed by more than an hour, although the organizers did not give a reason.
Djokovic, a nine-time winner of the Australian Open including the last three editions, will begin his title defense against Kekmanovic, 78th in the ATP rankings, if Australian immigration officials do not decide on his deportation.
For his part, Nadal, who returned last week after months of injury with a win in the Melbourne summer set, will make his Grand Slam debut against American Giron, 66th in the ATP rankings.
Russian Daniil Medvedev, one of last year’s favorites and finalists, will face Swiss Henri Laxonen.
In the women’s tournament, world number 1 Australian Ashleigh Barty will also start her trajectory against one of the players coming from the qualifying round.
Spanish-Venezuelan Garbine Muguruza, the recent WTA Finals champion, will make her debut in the WTA rankings against Frenchman Clara Burrell, 20-year-old and 78th.
In return, eighth-placed Spaniard Paula Badosa will face Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.
Finally, the defending Melbourne Women’s Champion, Naomi Osaka of Japan, will begin her title defense against Camila Osorio of Colombia.
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