AO 2024 News : Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka in entry list Wozniacki gets wild card

A number of big names were left off the entry list for the 2024 Australian Open, which was released on Thursday, December 7. The list includes the legendary Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki, while Emma Raducanu and Nick Kygrios are left out of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

In January 2023, Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, sustained a season-ending knee injury during the second round of the Australian Open. But the winner of the 2022 Australian Open recently confirmed his return to court after a gap of a year and will play in the Brisbane International 2024 starting on January 7th.

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka made her comeback from maternity leave. Osaka will compete in the Brisbane International 2024 to get match fitness before the Australian Open.

Caroline Wozniacki, the winner of the 2018 edition, gets a wild entry at the Australian Open 2024. Wozniacki returned from retirement in August this year and reached the fourth round of the US Open 2023.

As a result, local star Nick Kygrios and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu are missing. Kygrios has been unable to play due to knee and wrist injuries this season, while Raducanu has undergone surgery. Raducanu won the US Open qualifier and may have to qualify for the upcoming Grand Slam tournament.

Besides Wozniacki, Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki, and Taylah Preston also earned wild card entries for the Australian Open 2024.