In the first round of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic will play fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic despite continuing concerns about whether he will be in the country.
The world number one, top seed and defending champion is aiming to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
The fate of the vaccine-skeptic Djokovic remains unclear as Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke mulls whether to revoke his visa again and expel him.
Djokovic, 34, is scheduled to begin defending his title either on Monday or Tuesday.
Even if he is allowed to stay, there are concerns about his preparation and fitness for a grueling two-week tournament after spending four nights in detention.
In the event he is ruled out of the first Grand Slam of the year before it begins, his place will be taken by a so-called “lucky loser,” someone who lost in the final round of qualifying.
Also gunning for a 21st Slam title is six-seeded Rafael Nadal who begins play against Marcos Giron.
US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who was a finalist at Melbourne last year, opens against Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen.
The top seed and world number one Ashleigh Barty, who won the Adelaide International last week, will face a qualifier first on her way to a maiden Grand Slam title at home.
Naomi Osaka, seeded 13, will start her title defense against Colombian Camila Osorio in Barty’s quarter of the draw. During the semifinal round, Naomi is likely to face Australian Sam Groth.
Two warm-up tournaments have ended early for the second seed Aryna Sabalenka, who will be paired against Australian Storm Sanders.
The US Open champion faces the American Sloane Stephens in a tough match.
