Novak Djokovic is on the official entry list for the Australian Open 2022, suggesting that he will be approved in time to play in the year's first Grand Slam.
However, in the women's draw, seven-time tournament champion Serena Williams is a glaring omission.
The Australian Open 2022 main draw entry list was released on Wednesday and has answered a number of questions regarding player participation.
#AusOpen entry list pic.twitter.com/C1XisUgRAp
— Marc McGowan 🗣✍️👨🏻💻📰 (@ByMarcMcGowan) December 8, 2021
Djokovic - a nine-time Australian Open men's singles champion - has been the centre of attention in the lead-up to the 2022 Grand Slam due to his unknown vaccination status.
His inclusion on the entry list is another strong sign that the Serb will be defending his title at Melbourne Park.
Tournament organisers have informed players that they will need to be fully vaccinated before arriving in Australia to be able to play at the Open in Melbourne.
At Tuesday's ATP Cup launch, Djokovic was named among 18 of the world's top 20 players that will feature in the 16-nation event from January 1-9.
However, his insertion in the ATP Cup and Australian Open entry lists does not entirely confirm his participation.
Tennis Australia has confirmed the only way Djokovic will be able to enter the country is either by getting vaccinated or being approved for a medical exemption, neither of which have officially happened yet.
On the other side of the draw, Serena Williams is set to miss the Australian Open 2022.
The American's name was not on the main draw entry list, which is a significant loss for tournament organisers.
40-year-old Williams has won 23 Grand Slams in her career but has not played in a major tournament since retiring from her first-round match-up at Wimbledon in July.
Currently ranked #41 in the world, rumours have naturally arisen regarding her playing future.
The 2022 Australian Open will be played between January 17-30 at Melbourne Park in Victoria, Australia.
