AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2023: Djokovic back in Melbourne; no Barty

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic will be competing at the Australian Open for the first time in two years when the tournament begins next week. Djokovic was deported from the country in 2022 because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 but the rules have been relaxed. Rafael Nadal is the defending men’s champion. Ash Barty is last year’s women’s title winner but she has retired and so is not in the field. This also is the first Grand Slam tournament to be held since Serena Williams and Roger Federer both announced their retirements. Iga Swiatek is the top-ranked woman. The No. 1 man is Carlos Alcaraz but he withdrew from the Australian Open because of an injury.