Aus Open 2021

ATP Challenger Biella: Andy Murray begins season with win at second-tier Challenger event, 16,000km away from Australian Open

Three-time Major winner Murray, now ranked 124 after battling a pelvic injury which had compromised his attempts to rebuild his career after hip surgery, only played seven official matches in 2020

Australian Open 2021: Hard quarantine before season's first Grand Slam 'took a toll' on players

Like Azarenka, both Sandgren and Pospisil were among the more than 70 players forced to stay in their hotel rooms for every minute of at least 14 days after arriving

Australian Open 2021: Teenager Coco Gauff looks to embrace pressure and upset Elina Svitolina in second round

16-year-old Coco Gauff showed the form that fuelled her dazzling run last year at Melbourne Park during a crushing 6-3, 6-2 victory over Swiss Jil Teichmann

Yarra Valley Classic: Serena Williams insists she's still the best in world ahead of semi-final showdown with Ashleigh Barty

Serena has been in ominous form but needed to overcome a mid-match wobble to oust fellow American Danielle Collins 6-2, 4-6, 10-6 in 96 minutes at the Yarra Valley Classic.

Australian Open 2021: Ashleigh Barty unfazed by local expectations as she aims to end Australia's 43-year trophy drought

The Australian last week played her first match in 11 months after opting to remain home in relatively Covid-19 free Queensland state during the pandemic and even decided against defending her French Open crown.

Australian Open 2021's start date of 8 February not yet confirmed, says Tennis Australia

Melbourne's The Age newspaper and others reported a letter sent by Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley to players which made reference to an 8 February start date.