Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic will make their highly anticipated returns to Grand Slam tennis at next month’s Australian Open, using protected rankings after extended absences.
Kyrgios, who has been sidelined due to knee, foot, and wrist injuries, will compete with a protected ranking of 21st. He has not participated in a Grand Slam event since 2022.
Meanwhile, Bencic, who welcomed a daughter in April, will return with a special ranking of 15th.
Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who currently hold the top spots in the ATP and WTA rankings, will be the top seeds at Melbourne Park.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.
