Australian Open draw: Novak Djokovic included as PM delays visa decision, 10 best matches of Round 1

Let’s take a moment to shift the attention away from Novak Djokovic and instead look at the 10 best match ups of the Australian Open’s first round. SEE THE DRAW

What are the Round 1 matches you can't miss?

All eyes are on Novak Djokovic, but we’re about to see some actual tennis.

For those people who are keen to see the best in the world go at it, here is a look at the 10 most-anticipated matches of the Australian Open’s first round.

SCROLL DOWN TO RE-CAP THE 2022 DRAW

What are the Round 1 matches you can't miss?

WOMEN

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC (AUS) v v 8-PAULA BADOSA (ESP)

Aussie Ajla has never gone beyond the second round in Melbourne but the world No.45’s confidence should be high after a quarter-final at Wimbledon last year. World No.9 Badosa has also never gone past the second round here, so this match up will be much closer than their rankings suggest.

16-ANGELIQUE KERBER (GER) v KAIA KANEPI (EST)

Powerful German star Kerber is a former champion here, winning one of her three grand slams in style in 2016. Will be out to make amends for a shock first round exit last year, but she faces dangerous Estonian Kanepi who is a six-times grand slam quarter-finalist who reached the third round here last year.

17-EMMA RADUCANU (GBR) v SLOANE STEPHENS (USA)

Teenage US Open champ Raducanu faces a mammoth battle in her first Australian Open and just third career grand slam appearing, with big-hitting American Stephens a major threat. Stephens was a semi-finalist here in 2013 and while she has slid to No.68 in the world rankings she is more than capable of pulling off an early upset.

US Open winner Emma Raducanu has tough ask to begin her Australian Open. Picture: AFP

11-SOFIA KENIN (USA) v MADISON KEYS (USA)

World No.12 and 2020 Australian Open champ Kenin faces fellow American and 2015 AO semi-finalist Keys in one of the best clashes of the first round. Keys hasn’t lost in the first round at Melbourne since 2012.

19-ELISE MERTENS (BEL) v VERA ZVONAREVA

World No.20 Mertens was a semi-finalist in Melbourne in 2018 and has at least reached the third round in every appearance at this grand slam. Russian veteran Zvonareva is a two-time AO semi-finalist (2009 and 2011) who once reached world No.2 status but at 37 this may be a test too hard.

MEN

1-NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) v MIOMIR KECMANOVIC (SRB)

Oh the twist of fate that after his controversial arrival Djokovic faces a fellow Serb in the first round – if he’s allowed to stay in the country that long. Kecmanovic, 22, reached the second round in Melbourne last year but given the stressful build up for nine-times Australian Open champ Djokovic he just may be as good a chance as anyone at catching the world No.1 on a bad day.

ANDY MURRAY (GBR) v 21-NIKOLOZ BASILASHVILI (GEO)

Georgian world No.23 Basilashvili has copped the short straw here, picking up former world No.1 and wildcard Murray. It is Murray’s first Australian Open appearance since 2019 but he is a five-time finalist in Melbourne. Bazilashvili has twice reached the third round in Melbourne but it’ll take a special effort against Murray who can still trouble some of the best players on tour.

Cult figure Stefanos Tsitsipas might find a sterner task in his first-round opponent, this time. Picture: AFP

MIKAEL YMER (SWE) v 4-STEFANOS TSITSIPAS (GRE)

This pair met in the third round of the Australian Open last year where Tsitsipas prevailed in straight sets, but Ymer is coming in off some decent form in Adelaide. Tsitsipas carried a niggling injury at the ATP Cup in Sydney, but this could be his year to go further than last year’s semi-final effort.

24-DANIEL EVANS (GBR) v DAVID GOFFIN (BEL)

Former world No.7 Goffin is always a danger in the Australian Open draw, reaching the quarter-finals in 2017. Brit Evans had his best result at Melbourne when he reached the fourth round in 2017 and will want to make up for last year’s shock first round defeat. Evans leads their head-to-head record 2-0.

MAXIME CRESSY (USA) v 22-JOHN ISNER (USA)

Serve-volleyer Cressy looms as the Melbourne Park danger man after beating Grigor Dmitrov on his way to a final defeat to Rafael Nadal in the Melbourne Summer Set last week. This is the 24-year-old’s second Australian Open, meanwhile big-serving world No.24 Isner is coming off a tough 2021 but has twice reached the fourth round here.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a return shot

Djokovic gets some good news as Aussies cop nightmare draws

Should he get over the biggest hurdle in grand slam history – in the form of a potential deportation from Immigration Minister – Novak Djokovic’s draw appears to hold far fewer speed bumps in his quest for a 21st grand slam title.

As of 5pm AEDT Thursday, there had been no decision made on Djokovic’s visa status.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is yet to make a call on whether to cancel the Serbian’s entry visa, reserving the right to still do so in coming days.

In a press conference held just before the draw, Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to be drawn on the visa debacle.

Asked whether a decision on Djokovic’s visa had been made, and how long the government was going to delay, he said:

“I will refer to Mr Hawke ‘s most recent statement in that the position hasn’t changed. These are personal ministerial powers able to be exercised by Minister Hawke and I don’t propose to make any further comment at this time.”

But in a rare spot of good news for the controversial world No.1, after a week from hell, Djokovic was handed a favourable path to a record-setting 21st grand slam title as several cards fell his way in Thursday’s Australian Open draw.

Avoiding fierce rival, and fellow 20-time grand slam winner, Rafael Nadal and Germany’s Olympic champion, and third seed, Alexander Zverev until the semi-finals, Djokovic’s first major test awaits in the form of Italian seventh seed Matteo Berrettini.

But even that should be a welcome result for the Serbian superstar, who owns a 4-0 record over Berrettini at ATP level, while he has an even more formidable record against potential fourth-round opponent Gael Monfils.

Ash Barty opens against a qualifier

The pair have faced off 17 times at tour level and the Frenchman has never gotten the better of Djokovic – making him little more of a threat than first-round opponent Miomir Kecmanovic, of Serbia, and likely second-round scalp Tommy Paul.

In truth, the biggest hurdle facing Djokovic is one no player in grand slam history has faced

And even if overcomes that drama, his former coach Boris Becker expressed his concerns about the horrendous preparation – saying the 34-year-old was “shell-shocked” by having to spend five days in immigration detention as part of his preparation for the opening grand slam of the year.

“Obviously his preparation is beyond bad. I don’t think he’s ever been in a worse position entering the week before a Grand Slam, but that’s just the way it is,” Becker told the BBC after speaking to the Serbian star on Monday.

Should he navigate his way through all of the potential pitfalls, Djokovic could face a rematch of last year’s Australian Open final – with world No.2 Daniil Medvedev lurking on the other side of the draw.

Meanwhile, Australia’s top men’s hopes were dealt nightmare news at Thursday’s draw – with top-ranked hopeful Alex de Minaur and home favourite Nick Kyrgios copping brutal early match-ups.

While Kyrgios will open against a qualifier, he faces a horror clash with second-seed Medvedev.

Kyrgios owns a 2-0 ATP record against Medvedev, but since their last meeting in the final of the Washington Open in 2019 the Russian has soared to great heights, including winning last year’s US Open.

The news is no better for De Minaur, who drew rising Italian star Lorenzo Musetti in the opening round and a potential date with eighth-seeded Casper Ruud in round three should he reach that far.

Another Italian, 11th seed Jannik Sinner, and Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas could be waiting for him in the fourth round and quarter-finals respectively if De Minaur is able to draw on his fighting spirit.

Wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis has a first-up qualifier, before a likely matchup with Rafael Nadal, while John Millman will face Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Ash Barty has been done no favours in the draw for her home grand slam, with the world No. 1’s path to glory pitted with potential pitfalls.

The star Australian will meet a qualifier in the opening round of the Australian Open – which will begin on Monday – with seeded players awaiting swiftly should she progress beyond the second round.

Italian Camila Giorgi – seeded 30th – could await in the third round before a potential collision with two-time Australian Open champion and 13th seed Naomi Osaka.

Osaka will need to demolish world No. 23 Belinda Bencic to reach the second week.

Australian Storm Sanders faces a difficult first round match-up with second seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley refused a request to take questions from journalists after the draw.

HOW IT HAPPENED

MEN’S DRAW

Djokovic – if he plays – gets started against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic.

The projected quarter-finals in the men’s draw could pitch Djokovic against Italian seventh seed Matteo Berrettini, a juicy showdown between Alexander Zverev and 20-time slam champion Rafael Nadal.

While Stefanos Tsitsipas could land Casper Ruud, while Daniil Medvedev could clash with countryman Andrey Rublev in an all-Russian affair.

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios opens against a qualifier and faces a nightmare possible second round against Medvedev.

John Millman has a tough first-round match-up against crafty Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez, while wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis has drawn a wildcard first up.

De Minaur has drawn Lorenzo Musetti

OTHER FIRST ROUNDERS

Rafael Nadal v American Marcos Giron: Nadal in Djokovic’s half but couldn’t meet until semis

Cameron Norrie of Britain vs Seb Korda

Matteo Berrettini vs Brandon Nakashima

Andy Murray vs Nikoloz Basilashvili

Dan Evans vs David Goffin

Projected #AusOpen men's singles quarter-finals:

Novak Djokovic vs Matteo Berrettini
Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal
Casper Ruud vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev vs Daniil Medvedev

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 13, 2022

WOMEN’S DRAW – TOUGH ONE FOR BARTY

Ash Barty will meet a qualifier in the opening round of the Australian Open but faces a big ask to clinch the title.

Ash Barty’s potential path to #AusOpen glory:

R1: Qualifier

R2: Varvara Gracheva

R3: #30 Camila Giorgi

R4: #13 Naomi Osaka (!)

QF: #5 Maria Sakkari

SF: #4 Barbora Krejcikova

F: Muguruza/Sabalenka/Kontaveit

ELSEWHERE

Emma Raducanu meets Sloane Stephens in the first round.

Sofia Kenin v Madison Keys

AUSSIES

Tomljanovic v Badosa

Sanders v Sabalenka

Daria Savilla v Peterson

Stosur v Anderson

See who the Aussie women will face in the opening round of the #AusOpen main draw ⤵️#TheFirstServepic.twitter.com/ycpIwOkmk1

— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) January 13, 2022

Projected #AusOpen women's singles quarter-finals:

Ashleigh Barty vs Maria Sakkari
Barbora Krejcikova vs Paula Badosa
Anett Kontaveit vs Garbine Muguruza
Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka

— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) January 13, 2022

4:18pm DRAW IS IMMINENT

Craig Tiley is in the room and the draw for the 2022 Aus Open is about to start. Djokovic remains included.

3:47pm STANDBY FOR DJOKOVIC ANNOUNCEMENT (OF SORTS)

Per News Corp journalist Samantha Maiden

Oh God. I’ve been told then announcement is no decision hahaha 😭I’m giving up now. I’ll just watch the presser and cry laugh, https://t.co/fRqpPTJQvi

— Samantha Maiden (@samanthamaiden) January 13, 2022

3:38pm NEW TIME CONFIRMED

The Australian Open draw will now take place at 4:15 AEDT.

It’s a delay of more than an hour to the original time. We will bring the draw live here as well as the ScoMo press conference.

3:20pm SCOMO TO SPEAK

Unconfirmed if the cancellation of the draw and the PM speaking is related but we will be live streaming the address in the video player above. We await further news and we will update as soon as information comes to hand.

3:08pm DRAW DELAYED

As you all enjoy the elevator jazz music being pumped out as we await the draw, sadly news is it has been delayed at Melbourne Park with no time frame on when it will be staged.

Officials are on standby where the draw was due to start at 3pm.

Those on site have been advised that the draw has been delayed and that a further update will be provided in due course.

2:47pmIS DJOKER FIT ENOUGH?

Even if Djokovic does contest the Open – where he will look to claim an unprecedented 10th title and 21st slam – there will be questions over his preparations and fitness after spending four nights in a detention facility after a gruelling 12 hours interrogation at Melbourne airport.

His former coach, Boris Becker, said that the 34-year-old was “shell-shocked” by having to spend five days in immigration detention — far from ideal build-up for the first Grand Slam of the year.

“Obviously his preparation is beyond bad. I don’t think he’s ever been in a worse position entering the week before a Grand Slam, but that’s just the way it is,” Becker told the BBC after speaking to the Serbian star on Monday.

2:35pm WHAT IF DJOKOVIC IS KICKED OUT?

Should Djokovic withdraw from the tournament – by his own wishes or otherwise – after the draw is complete, the No. 5 seed would take his opponent.

In this case, that is Andrey Rublev.

Rublev’s opponent would then fall to the No. 17 seed, Gael Monfils.

But as the tournament grows closer, that could yet change again.

Should he withdraw or be withdrawn after the first day of play is announced – which is set to occur this weekend – he would be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser.

2:30pm: NO PLAYERS AT THE DRAW

In years gone by the two defending champions or a representative from both the men’s and women’s draws would be at the event. This year it will not be so.

Unconfirmed, but we are expecting Craig Tiley and other Tennis Australia personnel.

WOMEN’S SEEDS

1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS)

2. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR)

3. Garbine Muguruza (ESP)

4. Barbora Krejcikova (CZE)

5. Maria Sakkari (GRE)

6. Anett Kontaveit (EST)

7. Iga Swiatek (POL)

8. Paula Badosa (ESP)

9. Ons Jabeur (TUN)

10. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)

11. Sofia Kenin (USA)

12. Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

13. Naomi Osaka (JPN)

14. Simona Halep (ROU)

15. Elina Svitolina (UKR)

16. Angelique Kerber (GER)

17. Emma Raducanu (GBR)

18. Coco Gauff (USA)

19. Elise Mertens (BEL)

20. Petra Kvitova (CZE)

21. Jessica Pegula (USA)

22. Belinda Bencic (SUI)

23. Leylah Fernandez (CAN)

24. Victoria Azarenka (BLR)

25. Daria Kasatkina (RUS)

26. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT)

27. Danielle Collins (USA)

28. Veronika Kudermetova (RUS)

29. Tamara Zidansek (SLO)

30. Camila Giorgi (ITA)

31. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE)

32. Sara Sorribes Tormo (ESP)

MEN’S SEEDS

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB)

2. Daniil Medvedev (RUS)

3. Alexander Zverev (GER)

4. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

5. Andrey Rublev (RUS)

6. Rafael Nadal (ESP)

7. Matteo Berrettini (ITA)

8. Casper Ruud (NOR)

9. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)

10. Hubert Hurkacz (POL)

11. Jannik Sinner (ITA)

12. Cameron Norrie (GBR)

13. Diego Schwartzman (ARG)

14. Denis Shapovalov (CAN)

15. Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP)

16. Cristian Garin (CHI)

17. Gael Monfils (FRA)

18. Aslan Karatsev (RUS)

19. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)

20. Taylor Fritz (USA)

21. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO)

22. John Isner (USA)

23. Reilly Opelka (USA)

24. Daniel Evans (GBR)

25. Lorenzo Sonego (ITA)

26. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL)

27. Marin Cilic (CRO)

28. Karen Khachanov (RUS)

29. Ugo Humbert (FRA)

30. Lloyd Harris (RSA)

31. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)

32. Alex de Minaur (AUS)

Originally published as Australian Open draw: Novak Djokovic included as PM delays visa decision, 10 best matches of Round 1