Kyrgios and Bencic to Return to Australian Open with Protected Rankings
December 6 – Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic will make their long-awaited Grand Slam returns at next month’s Australian Open, both using protected rankings, organizers confirmed on Friday.
Kyrgios, who has been sidelined since 2022 due to knee, foot, and wrist injuries, will compete with a protected ranking of 21st. The Australian hasn’t played in a Grand Slam since last year.
Bencic, who gave birth to a daughter in April, will return with a special ranking of 15th. The Swiss star will also be making her first Grand Slam appearance since taking time off.
Along with Kyrgios and Bencic, six men and six women will compete in Melbourne using protected rankings, setting the entry cutoff for both draws at world No. 98.
Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori, who hasn’t played in the Australian Open men’s singles since 2021, will also compete with a protected ranking.
As for the top seeds, defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka will lead the men’s and women’s fields, while 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is eyeing a record 11th Australian Open title.
The Australian Open begins in January, marking the return of some major stars after extended absences from the Grand Slam scene.
