Australia Open: Nadal makes entry list
Two-time champion, Rafael Nadal, has been included on the entry list for the Australian Open after nearly a year out with injury, while Nick Kyrgios looks set to miss the tournament in January.
Nadal, 37, has been out of action since injuring his hip flexor at the last Australian Open.
The former world number one recently confirmed he would make his return at January’s Brisbane International.
Australian Kyrgios has had an injury-blighted 2023, missing all four majors.
The 28-year-old, a Wimbledon finalist in 2022, has struggled with wrist, knee and foot injuries, and said last month “the stars would need to align” for him to be fit for the first major of the year. In theory, he could still be awarded a wildcard.
Defending champion and world number one, Novak Djokovic, will return as he bids for a record-extending 11th men’s Australian Open title and a 25th Grand Slam win overall.
Long-time rival, Nadal, who has won 22 majors, said in May that 2024 would “probably” be his last year on tour.
Women’s world number one, Iga Swiatek, and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two, will resume their rivalry after both were confirmed in the line-up.
Meanwhile, former champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber will return to Melbourne Park after taking time away from the tour to have children.
Great Britain’s Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage have all received a direct entry.
The Australian Open starts on 14 January and ends with the men’s singles final on 28 January. —BBC
