Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic will mark their return to Grand Slam tennis at next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne. Both players will utilize protected rankings to secure main-draw entries after extended absences.
Kyrgios, sidelined since 2022 due to knee, foot, and wrist injuries, will compete with a protected ranking of world No. 21. For Bencic, who gave birth to her daughter in April, a special ranking of No. 15 ensures her place in the tournament.
“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,” said tournament organizers in a statement.
Notable Protected Ranking Entrants
- Nick Kyrgios (No. 21): First Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2022.
- Belinda Bencic (No. 15): First Grand Slam since her maternity leave.
- Kei Nishikori (Former World No. 4): Returns to the Australian Open for the first time since 2021.
Defending Champions and Top Seeds
The tournament, which begins on January 15, 2025, will see defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka as the top seeds. All eyes will also be on Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and his 25th Grand Slam overall.
With the return of fan favorites and several key storylines in play, Melbourne Park is poised to deliver an electrifying start to the 2025 Grand Slam season.
