Open cracks appear

AUSTRALIAN Open chiefs are sweating over the availability of several big stars as the start of the grand slam tournament nears.

Debate about Covid-19 protocols, in particular the vaccination mandate, has dominated discussion, but mounting injuries and illness are becoming a concern.

Dominic Thiem’s announcement he won’t contest the ATP Cup or Sydney Tennis Classic – of which he was the headline act for the men – also cast doubt on whether he will play in the Australian Open.

That news follows Roger Federer (knee) and Stan Wawrinka (foot) withdrawing, the mystery around Novak Djokovic’s plans, and Rafael Nadal (foot) admitting there was “no guarantee” of his involvement.

The women’s field also lost Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady (foot) on Sunday.

Brady joins former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova (hand) and grand slam champions Serena Williams (hamstring), Bianca Andreescu (personal reasons) and Svetlana Kuznetsova in being out.

Thiem, who was runner-up at Melbourne Park last year, hasn’t played since late June because of a wrist injury, and a non-Covid-related illness has set him back further.

The world No.15 still wants to compete in the Australian Open, which begins on January 17, but said a call on that would not be made for at least another week.

“After speaking to my team, we have decided to return to Austria instead of flying directly to Australia,” Thiem said on Twitter.

“Unfortunately, I caught a cold (and tested negative for Covid-19) while in Dubai and was unable to practise last week. I will therefore not be in the physical condition required to be able to play the ATP Cup and Sydney ATP 250.

“After not competing for the last six months, I can’t take the risk of coming back too soon and picking up a further injury.

“Overall, the time I spent in Dubai was great as I’ve increased the intensity and level of practice and my wrist is almost at 100 per cent.

“My aim is still to play the Australian Open, but we will make a final decision by the end of December.”

Others not going to Melbourne are Jeremy Chardy (adverse reaction to Covid vaccine), Guido Pella (knee), Aljaz Bedene (lingering fatigue from Covid), Pierre-Hugues Herbert (unvaccinated) and Kyle Edmund (knee).

Up and coming Queensland teenager Olivia Gadecki has also chosen not to be vaccinated against coronavirus.