Nick Kyrgios Makes Comeback at Australian Open Using Protected Ranking
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Brisbane, Dec 6 (NationPress) Nick Kyrgios is poised to make a highly awaited comeback at the Australian Open with the aid of a protected ranking, nearly two years since his last competitive appearance.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, who has been plagued by injuries since 2022, is set to enter the main draw at Melbourne Park, leading a group of 10 Australian men that features world No. 9 Alex de Minaur.
Kyrgios, 29, has already initiated his comeback preparations, planning to participate in the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi and the Brisbane International before stepping onto the courts at the Australian Open.
Tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed that Kyrgios would have received a wildcard had his protected ranking option not been available.
“Kyrgios and Bencic are among six men and six women competing ... using protected rankings, establishing the main-draw entry ranking cut-off for both fields at world No. 98,” the organizers stated.
The Australian Open will also see the return of several prominent players. Japanese star Kei Nishikori, a former world No. 4, will utilize a protected ranking to compete in his first Australian Open in four years. Nishikori recently demonstrated his comeback by winning a Challenger title at the Tali Open in Finland.
On the women's side, Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic will make her Grand Slam return following the birth of her daughter earlier this year. Among Australian female players, world No. 96 Olivia Gadecki is the only one to secure a direct entry into the main draw. However, Daria Saville, Ajla Tomljanovic, Kimberly Birrell, and Maya Joint continue to vie for wildcards.
This year’s Australian Open promises a fierce competition, with all top-50 players from both the men's and women's tours confirmed to participate. The main draw cut-off for qualification is set at World No. 98 for both categories, with eight wildcards and 16 qualifier slots still available.
