World's top players confirm their participation in Australian Open 2020
What's the story
The world's top 50 men and women players will return to Melbourne Park in January 2020 to feature in the Australian Open. A lot will be on offer in the season's first Grand Slam title. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty will lead the line at the 115th edition of the tournament. Here are further details on the same.
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Key details about the tournament
A total of 104 players have received direct entry into the men's and women's singles main draw, whereas, a further eight are awarded wild cards. Also, a total of 16 places will be settled at the qualifying rounds from January 8-11.
Men's singles
Nadal will be aiming to mark Federer's tally
All eyes will be on Nadal as he looks to continue his 2018 form in the sport. The Spaniard is one Slam short of Roger Federer (20). Novak Djokovic will be going for a record-extending eighth honor. Federer, who is seeded third, last won the tournament in 2018. Meanwhile, several top new generation contenders and some experienced guns are in the top 10.
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Juan Martin del Potro returns on a protected ranking
Meanwhile, Juan Martin del Potro returns on a protected ranking of No. 22, following a six-month injury break. He last competed in June at the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen's Club in London. He fractured his right patella for the second time in nine months.
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The very best players are back, says Craig Tiley
"We are delighted to welcome this extremely strong player field to Melbourne in what promises to be a once in a generation event," said tournament director Craig Tiley. "The very best players are back, there are records up for grabs and it is very possible we will see a new champion crowned on both sides."
Azarenka
Victoria Azarenka pulls out of Australian Open 2020
In the women's section, Victoria Azarenka pulled out of next month's Australian Open 2020 due to personal reasons. The Belarusian withdrew from the first Grand Slam of the season prior to the entry deadline on Saturday. Notably, she is the only player among the top 50 men and women to not feature at the event. She cited personal reasons for her withdrawal.
Women's singles
Serena Williams will be wanting to break the jinx
Serena Williams, who has been in four Grand Slam finals since her return from child birth, will be wanting to be break her jinx. She is eyeing a record-equaling 24th career Grand Slam titles. Last year, we had four different Grand Slam winners in women's singles and the pool is wide open. Defending champion Naomi Osaka will be aiming to regain her form.