Rafael Nadal will return to international warm-ups in Brisbane ahead of the Australian Open. Photo: Getty Images/William West
Rafael Nadal has confirmed he will return to tennis after a year off at the Brisbane International later this month.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since suffering a thigh injury during a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January. After initially hoping the break would only last a few weeks, Nadal admitted in May that he was approaching the end of his career and that he hoped he could play the tour's final year in 2024.
Nadal said: “After a year away from It's time to return to competitions. It will be in Brisbane in the first week of January. See you there.”
It is hoped that the 37-year-old, now 663 years old in the world, will also be able to take part in the first major of the year in Melbourne.
Caroline Wozniacki received a wild card for the Australian Open. The Dane won her only title at Melbourne Park in 2018 before retiring at the same venue two years later. The other initial wild cards for the tournament went to Australian trio Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki and Tayla Preston.
Nick Kyrgios was noticeably absent from the lineup as he continues to recover from injury. Former champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber are set to return to Melbourne Park after a break from the tour to have children.
When does the Australian Open start?
The tournament will begin on Sunday, January 14th. This is the first Sunday start in the history of the tournament.
“We have listened to feedback from players and fans and are pleased to offer a solution to minimize the late finish of the tournament. while continuing to ensure a fair and equitable schedule on the stadium courts,” said Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley.
“An extra day will achieve this goal, which will benefit both fans and players. The first round will now last three days instead of two, also giving fans an extra day of incredible tennis, entertainment, food and family fun.
“Every year our team works hard to delight the fans with the event. it feels new and exciting, and another opportunity to expand the scope of what is already the world's biggest annual sporting event in January.”
When is the Australian Open final?
The women's final will take place on Saturday, January 27. The men's final takes place the following day (January 28).
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the UK
In the UK, Eurosport has rights to broadcast live coverage from Melbourne. Watch on Discovery+, Entertainment & A sports ticket costs £6.99 per month or £59.99 per year.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the US
ESPN has the rights to broadcast the tournament.
What is the Australian Open prize money?
The total prize money has not yet been confirmed, but in 2023 it was 76.5 million dollars, which is 3.4 percent more than in 2022. The singles champions took home $2.975 million, or just over £2.47 million.
Which British players will be participating?
Cameron Norrie, Daniel Evans, Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Jack Draper and Jodie Burrage are on the list for the tournament. Emma Raducanu is not on the list because her protected rating (103) is too low for automatic inclusion. As it stands, Raducanu will need to qualify to play in the tournament, get a wild card, or hope a few players withdraw.
Will Emma Raducanu play at the Australian Open?
Raducanu has not played since then since she had wrist and ankle surgery in May. But she has agreed to take part in the Auckland Classic, which starts on January 1, to prepare for the Australian Open.
Who are the defending champions?
Novak Djokovic won the men's singles title last year. the record increased for the 10th time after defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas.
In the women's draw, Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title, defeating Elena Rybakina in three sets.
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