The world’s top 102 women and top 101 men have all confirmed they will compete at next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne.
Romanian world No.1 Simona Halep heads up the women’s field, with Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic the men’s top seed and targeting a record seventh Open crown.
American Serena Williams, currently ranked No.16, will make her highly anticipated return to Melbourne for the first time since winning in 2017 when eight weeks pregnant with baby Alexis Olympia, while world No.3 Caroline Wozniacki will be trying to defend her women’s crown.
Superstars Rafael Nadal and defending champion Roger Federer, ranked second and fourth respectively, will be back, as will five-times finalist Andy Murray after a frustrating few years using his protected ranking of No.2.
Ten Australians, led by women’s world No.15 Ashleigh Barty, and men’s No.31 Alex de Minaur, have secured direct entry to the main singles draws.
“It’s an exciting time of year and we can’t wait to welcome this exceptionally strong player field to Melbourne for Australian Open 2019,” said tournament director Craig Tiley.
“It’s always special to see our defending champions – Caroline had her first grand slam win here last year so will be keen to start 2019 on a high and of course Roger Federer has special memories of Melbourne, having won here six times, something only Novak and Roy Emerson have done in the past.”
“After an incredible end-of-season run this year Novak will be full of confidence. He’s a fan favourite here and loves the conditions in Melbourne.
“I’ve been in touch with Rafa and he’s back to full fitness after cutting his season short after Paris and can’t wait to arrive in Australia.
“And there are so many contenders who have the game, fitness and ability to break through on the men’s side.
“On the women’s side, we’ve seen a number of new champions in 2018.
“Naomi Osaka started her path to grand slam glory right here in Melbourne, reaching the fourth round, and building to win the US Open.
“And after making the final here it was wonderful to see Simona win at Roland Garros, and our own 2016 champion Angie Kerber win at Wimbledon.”
AUSTRALIANS WITH DIRECT ENTRY TO AUSTRALIAN OPEN (prefix denotes ranking)
MEN
31-Alex de Minaur 35-Nick Kyrgios 38-John Millman 46: Matt Ebden 72-Jordan Thompson 83-Bernard Tomic
WOMEN
15-Ashleigh Barty 35-Daria Gavrilova 46-Ajla Tomljanovic 72-Samantha Stosur