Nick Kyrgios set for grand slam return as Australian Open place confirmed
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nick Kyrgios is set to make his grand slam return on home soil after using his protected ranking to earn entry into the Australian Open. open image in gallery Nick Kyrgios reached the final of Wimbledon in 2022 Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Belinda Bencic has also used her protected ranking to return at the Australian Open, having given birth to a daughter in April. Former World No 4 Kei Nishikori will also play with a protected ranking, making his first appearance in the Australian Open men’s singles since 2021, the statement added. Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, who are at the top of the men’s and women’s rankings, will be the top seeds at Melbourne Park, with 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic eyeing a record 11th Australian Open title.