The event organizers announced Friday that Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, and Belinda Bencic, a gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, will play their first Grand Slam following extended absences at the Australian Open next month with protected rankings.
Due to injuries to his knee, foot, and wrist, Kyrgios has not participated in a Grand Slam since 2022 and will compete with a protected ranking of 21st. Bencic will return with a unique ranking of 15th after giving birth to a daughter in April. Also read: Italy to host Davis Cup Final 8 from 2025
“Kyrgios and Bencic are among six men and six women competing … using protected rankings, setting the main-draw entry ranking cut-off for both fields at world No. 98,” the organizers stated in a statement.
The announcement also said that Kei Nishikori, a former world No. 4 who hasn’t participated in the Australian Open men’s singles since 2021, will play with a protected status.
The top seeds at Melbourne Park will be defending winners Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who lead the men’s and women’s rankings. Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming for a record 11th Australian Open championship. Also read: Tomas Machac tops Carlos Alcaraz in Shanghai Quarterfinals