Tennis legends Serena Williams and Roger Federer confirm entry

MELBOURNE: Tennis legends Serena Williams and Roger Federer have been confirmed among entries for the upcoming Australian Open.Apart from the star duo, world number one Ash Barty and eight-time champion Novak Djokovic (SRB) will lead the fields at the tournament slated to be held from February 8-21. There was a question mark over Federer, who warned this month he was in a "race against time" to be fit after two rounds of knee surgery. But the Swiss legend has begun training in Dubai and was among those entered to play at Melbourne Park. At the Melbourne Park, Serena will set herself up to equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles by winning an eighth Australian Open crown. "Although the AO will look a bit different to previous years, the safety of everyone is our top priority. We have the opportunity to stage a very safe, and happy Slam, and give the players the experience of competing in front of crowds again, something they've missed for most of this year," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement on Thursday. (IANS)

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