MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The top 100 men in the world rankings and top 98 women are scheduled to play in next month’s Australian Open, giving the first Grand Slam of the year one of its best-ever fields.
Top-ranked Rafael Nadal will attempt to win his fourth straight major, while No. 2 Roger Federer is chasing his fifth Australian Open title.
Women’s No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki is seeking her first Grand Slam title, while two-time champion Serena Williams is a notable omission due to a foot injury.
The 104 direct acceptances into the men’s draw include 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina and Dmitry Tursunov of Russia, both with injury-protected rankings.
The Australian Open is scheduled for Jan. 17-30 at Melbourne Park.
