Kei Nishikori, the inaugural male player from Japan in the Open Era to reach the world’s top five, is set to make his comeback to the Australian Open for the first time since 2021. Advertisement Returning to Melbourne Park are former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who will be […]
Kei Nishikori, the inaugural male player from Japan in the Open Era to reach the world’s top five, is set to make his comeback to the Australian Open for the first time since 2021.
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Returning to Melbourne Park are former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios and Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who will be participating in their first grand slam tournaments after lengthy absences.
The former world No 4 from Japan, now ranked 106th, will take part in the singles competition at next month’s event utilizing a protected ranking, as confirmed by the tournament organizers on Friday.
Kyrgios, competing with a protected ranking of 21, has not appeared in a grand slam since 2022 due to injuries to his knee, foot, and wrist.
Bencic, who welcomed her daughter in April, will return with a special ranking of 15th.
“Kyrgios and Bencic are among twelve athletes, six men and six women, competing … utilizing protected rankings, establishing the main-draw entry ranking threshold for both categories at world No 98,” said the organizers in an announcement.
