Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic will play their first Grand Slam after a long gap at next month’s Australian Open with protected rankings, tournament organizers said on Friday.
Kyrgios, who was ranked 21st in the protected rankings, has not played in a Grand Slam since 2022 due to knee, foot and wrist injuries. Benchic, who gave birth to her daughter last April, returns to 15th place in the special rankings.
“Kyrgios and Bencic are competing alongside six men and six women,” organizers said in a statement. “We used protected rankings to place them at 98th place in both categories.”
Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori will also feature in the Australian Open men’s singles for the first time since 2021, playing with a protected ranking, the statement added.
Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who hold the top spot in the men’s and women’s rankings, will be the top seeds at Melbourne Park, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will be looking to win a record 11th Australian Open title.
