Tennis fans are looking forward to watching their best players participate in A Day at the Drive exhibition event. But, disappointing many, Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament.

The news came only about 30 minutes before the Serbian ace’s scheduled match with Italian teenager Jannik Sinner. Djokovic’s training partner in Adelaide and compatriot Filip Krajinovic will take his place in the event.

However, even though the 17-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn, the day will see many big players kick-off their 2021 season. Following the Krajinovic and Sinner match, the former World No. 1’s Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams will face each other.

Novak Djokovic withdraws, Rafael Nadal vs Dominic Thiem still on

The reason behind the withdrawal of the 8-time Australian Open champion is still unclear. Given his time in quarantine in Adelaide, many fans were hoping to catch him live in action today.

However, big matches are right on schedule for the one-day exhibition event in Adelaide. The face-off between Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Austria’s Dominic Thiem will be the highlight of the day.

Not to mention, Australia’s favorite Ashleigh Barty will take on World No. 2 Simona Halep in the night session of the tournament. Indeed, it is the perfect way to boost the fans for the 2021 season.

Although the Serbian ace is missing this tournament, he is unlikely to miss the ATP Cup starting on Monday. But as Adelaide is far away from Melbourne Park, this might be a blow for the local fans of Djokovic.

Read More: Roger Federer Accepts Charity Match Challenge From Two Tennis Fans After Australian Open 2021 Withdrawal

Williams vs Osaka will make up for Novak’s exit

Being two of the biggest competitors on the women’s tour, Williams and Osaka will take on the court after Sinner and Krajinovic. Their encounter is never ordinary, and this won’t change even in an exhibition match.

Considering that they are coming straight out of the 14-day quarantine, the results are uncertain. But this match definitely will give an estimation of how much the quarantine has affected them.

Djokovic makes a surprise entry in the second set vs Sinner

There has now been a surprising turn of events as Novak has now entered the court. This is everything that Adelaide fans required for a great start to the day. Clearly, the Serbian ace couldn’t keep himself off the court for very long.

The 2021 season in Australia has officially begun. Next, players will travel to Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. Novak Djokovic and Sofia Kenin will be defending their title.

Also Read: ATP Cup 2021: Where to Watch on TV, Live Stream Details and More