Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki set to return to 2024 Australian Open
Spain's Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the US during the Australian Open in Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia January 18, 2023. [Photo/Agencies]
MELBOURNE, Australia — Three former Australian Open champions — Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber — are set to return to Melbourne Park in January following maternity leave, joined by 2022 winner Rafael Nadal and hometown favorite Nick Kyrgios.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley told the tournament launch Wednesday that Nadal (left hip flexor) and Kyrgios (knee, wrist) are expected to return from major injuries in a bid to challenge Novak Djokovic's dominance at Rod Laver Arena, where he's clinched 10 of his record 24 Grand Slam titles.
"Our 2022 champion Rafa Nadal has been working hard on his rehab for most of this year," Tiley said. "He always brings his best to Melbourne and no one can doubt how hard he competes. I've been in touch with his team and he's now back on the court and looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January."
Tiley said Djokovic and No. 2-ranked Carlos Alcaraz are expected to lead the men's contingent, while leading players Aryna Sabalenk a and Iga Swiatek and US Open champion Coco Gauff are also expected to play in the women's draw.
The tournament will run from Jan. 14-28, with its opening day of play on a Sunday for the first time. The Australian Open joins the French Open as the only tennis majors to be held over 15 days.
Tiley also announced that the tournament will honor Australian legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley on the 50th anniversary of the first of her four Australian Open title victories in 1974. She also won Wimbledon twice and the French Open once.
Tiley said Goolagong Cawley's image will feature on the coin used before matches at the Australian Open and at all warm-up tournaments in Australia in advance of the first major of the year.
Related articles
Flight attendant reveals why plane passengers should NEVER fall asleep before take off
An experienced fight attendant has revealed why plane passengers should never fall asleep before tak2024-05-21The Dallas Stars have a big age gap with players who have come together for No. 1 seed in the West
DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Stars have quite an age gap. Top goal scorer Wyatt Johnston is only 20 year2024-05-21Katie Price reveals her plans to REDUCE her surgically enhanced assets
Katie Price has revealed she plans to reduce her surgically-enhanced breasts after having 16 boob jo2024-05-21Brazil's president creates two new Indigenous territories, bringing total in his term to 10
SAO PAULO (AP) — President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday announced the creation of two new I2024-05-21Judge orders man accused of opening fire outside Wrigley Field held without bail
CHICAGO (AP) — A federal magistrate judge on Monday ordered a man accused of opening fire on a busy2024-05-21Virginia school bus hits DMV building, injures driver and two students, officials say
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A school bus struck a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles building Thursday mo2024-05-21
atest comment