Tennis News : Djokovic, Osaka, Nadal and others practise as Australian Open draw set

Australia's prime minister said Thursday his government's tough policy toward visitors who were not vaccinated for COVID-19 had not changed, as it nears a decision on whether to deport Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.

Morrison would give no indication of how long the decision might take, with Djokovic planning to defend his Australian Open title from Monday.

Despite the cloud hanging over Djokovic's ability to compete, Australian Open organizers included the top seed and defending champion in the draw on Thursday.

He is slated to play fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic, who is ranked world No. 78., in the opening round.

As the Djokovic drama hung over the tournament. players continued their preparations with defending women's singles champion Naomi Osaka on the practise court as well as Australian star Ash Barty, 2009 men's champion Rafael Nadal and 2022 runner-up Daniil Medvedev.