Two-time Australian Open champion Rafael Nadal has been listed as a participant in the upcoming tournament, marking his return to competitive tennis after an injury-induced hiatus of nearly a year. The 37-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined since sustaining a hip flexor injury at the previous Australian Open. Nadal, a former world number one, recently confirmed his comeback at the Brisbane International in January.
In contrast, Australian player Nick Kyrgios appears likely to skip the tournament scheduled for January. The 28-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, has faced a series of injuries, including wrist, knee, and foot issues throughout 2023. He expressed doubts about his readiness for the first major of the year, although there remains the possibility of him receiving a wildcard entry.
Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic is set to participate, aiming for an unprecedented 11th men’s Australian Open title and his 25th Grand Slam victory overall.
Rafael Nadal, a long-standing rival of Djokovic with 22 Grand Slam titles, had previously hinted that 2024 might be his final year on the tour.
On the women’s side, top-ranked Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka are confirmed participants, renewing their on-court rivalry. Former champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber will also make their return to Melbourne Park after taking time away from the tour for family reasons.
Great Britain’s representatives, including Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter, and Jodie Burrage, have all secured direct entries into the tournament.
The Australian Open is scheduled to commence on January 14, with the men’s singles final concluding on January 28. Stay informed with tennis news alerts sent to your phone.
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