Stan Wawrinka is one of three previous Australian Open singles champions who have already withdrawn from the first Major of the upcoming season. Serena Williams and Roger Federer are the other two.
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Dominic Thiem is the latest big-name player to pull out of next month’s Australian Open – season’s first Grand Slam. The Austrian has not played competitively since suffering a wrist injury in June. It meant that he was unable to defend his US Open title. Thiem, who was runner-up in the 2020 Australian Open to Novak Djokovic, reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery during a recent training camp in Dubai. The player has stated that he is “feeling well” now, but still, the former world number three will skip Melbourne Park. Besides, Stan Wawrinka is one of three previous Australian Open singles champions who have already withdrawn from the first Major of the upcoming season. Serena Williams and Roger Federer are the other two.
The 28-year-old, now ranked 15 in the world, has informed that he is practicing normally and with good intensity. However, the Austrian informed that he has made some changes to his schedule at the start of the year, thereby he will start his season at the Cordoba Open. He wrote on Twitter: “I am now feeling well again, my wrist is in optimal condition and I am practising normally with a very good intensity. After the short holidays, my team and I have assessed all matters and we have decided to make some changes to my initial tournament schedule.”
“I will start the season in South America at the Cordoba Open in Argentina at the end of January, and will therefore not play this year at the Australian Open. I will miss the Australian fans, but I will be back in 2023. We believe this is the right decision in order to have a good return to competition.”
Five-time finalist @andy_murray is awarded a main draw wildcard.
“Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game and I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.” – @CraigTiley
We can’t wait to see you at #AO2022, Andy ??#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/pJpBy4qXQT
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 23, 2021
Australian Open tournament organisers have recently announced that they have awarded former World No.1 Andy Murray a main draw wild card. It means the Scot will compete at the event for the 14th time.
“I’m really excited to be back playing at the Australian Open and grateful to Craig and the team for the opportunity,” Murray said in a statement. “I’ve had some great times in Australia playing in front of the amazing crowds and I can’t wait to step back out on court at Melbourne Park.”
“Andy is renowned for his fighting spirit, passion and love of the game,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said. “I’m delighted to welcome him back to Melbourne in January.”
