Izuchukwu OkosiRadacanu To Face Sloane Stephens
World number 1 Novak Djokovic has been drawn against unseeded fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the Australian Open which tees off on Monday as he awaits a decision on whether or not he will be allowed to remain in the country.
Djokovic a top seed seeking a 21st Grand Slam title and fourth successive Australian Open crown, saw his visa refused upon his arrival in Melbourne last week due to questions over his COVID-19 vaccination exemption.
Although the Serbian won a subsequent court appeal against the cancellation, however, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is personally empowered to revoke his visa for a second time and is still mulling over a decision.
Andy Murray who was former world No 1 takes on 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili, having beaten the Georgian 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 over three hours to reach the Sydney quarter-finals on Wednesday.
British No 1 Cameron Norrie meets American Sebastian Korda and Dan Evans comes up against David Goffin of Belgium.
British women’s No 1 and reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu will meet American world number 68 Sloane Stephens after her final match in preparation for the tournament ended in a 6-0 6-1 defeat to Elena Rybakina at the Sydney Classic.
World No 1 Ash Barty and fellow Australian Nick Kyrgios begin their home tournament up against qualifiers and defending champion Naomi Osaka opens her defence versus Colombia’s Camila Osorio.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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