The Australian Grand Slam will not start for three months, on January 16 to be precise.
We still know more about the players authorized or not to go to the continent.
Information that might have seemed futile a year ago but which, given the scandal caused last year by the Djokovic case, expelled after several days of detention, is no longer so.
So let's start with the Serbian champion.
As it stands, it is still not in order.
Federal regulations still require having received two doses of vaccine.
“I spent some time with Novak at the Laver Cup.
We talked generally.
He said he would obviously love to come back to Australia (next year, editor's note) but he knows that it will ultimately be the decision of the federal government, "said the director of the Australian Open Craig Tiley to the daily The Age.
Read also Antivax muse, hero of conspiratorial circles … Novak Djokovic, icon in spite of himself?
To date, the Serb with 20 Grand Slam titles (including nine in Melbourne) remains banned from the country for three years.
But a window of opportunity could exist with the change of government, led by Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese replacing Conservative Scott Morrison.
We should in any case avoid a psychodrama this year, the decision will be clearer.
This season, Djokovic won Wimbledon again.
But he was however forced to give up the Australian Open as well as the US Open because of his unvaccinated status.
A neutral banner for Russians and Belarusians
Craig Tiley also spoke in The Age about the participation of Russian or Belarusian players in the midst of the conflict in Ukraine.
It was decided to integrate them into the tournament under a neutral banner, the option chosen by Roland-Garros and the US Open but not by Wimbledon.
“At this stage, Russian and Belarusian players will be able to participate in the Australian Open.
The only difference will be that they will not be able to represent Russia - will not be able to represent the flag of Russia.
They will not be able to participate in any activities such as the Russian anthem and will have to play as independent players under a neutral flag.
But they will be welcome at the Australian Open in January,” said Tiley, in remarks reported by Reuters.
As a reminder, the Russians are however not authorized to compete in teams by the ATP.