Thursday afternoon update: Djokovic still in the house

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MELBOURNE, Australia – With the Australian Open draw ceremony less than two hours away, Novak Djokovic was still in the house.

The beleaguered nine-time champion took to Rod Laver Arena as scheduled, to practice with Federico Coria of Argentina.

Djokovic in the mix – at least for now – as AO draws revealed

The now ubiquitous helicopter was still circling over head, making a racket (pardon the pun).

The practice was due to go from 1 – 3 p.m.

But about 20 minutes in, his fitness trainer, Marco Panichi, took a text, came back for his mask and credential, and hastened off the court.

He returned, and had a conversation with Djokovic at pretty close quarters.

Djokovic then returned to the court and did a series of 2-and-1s with Coria.

And suddenly, after a half-hour, he shook hands with Coria.

And that was it for the day. As far as we know.

Unfortunately, the Australian Open’s restrictive, unique and draconian policies concerning journalists actually watching … players practicing tennis (gasp!!!) meant that everyone was booted out shortly thereafter.

As we left, the two players chewed the fat in Spanish for a bit.

We’ll see what happens when it’s time for the draw.

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