This archive report was first published on 13 January 2022.
Published on January 13, 2022, by AFP.
Novak Djokovic's Australian Open title defence hangs in the balance as he prepares to face fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round, amidst ongoing uncertainty over his visa status.
The world number one and top seed is looking to clinch a 10th title at Melbourne Park and a record 21st Grand Slam crown, but his fate remains uncertain with Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke considering revoking his visa again.
Despite the uncertainty, Djokovic is scheduled to open his title defence either on Monday or Tuesday, but there are questions over his preparations and fitness for the gruelling two-week tournament after spending four nights in a detention facility.
On the women's side, top seed Ashleigh Barty will meet a qualifier first up as she targets a maiden Grand Slam title on home soil, while defending champion Naomi Osaka is in Barty's quarter of the draw and will start her title defence against Colombia's Camila Osorio.
