SYDNEY — Reigning Australian Open champion and World number two Aryna Sabalenka and number four Elena Rybakina will open their 2024 seasons at the Brisbane International warm-up for the Australian Open, organisers said.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka was already announced for the WTA 500 event, which is returning in the first week of January after a three-year hiatus forced initially by the Covid pandemic.
Sabalenka is ineligible to compete in the United Cup mixed tournament taking place in Perth and Sydney the same week because of the continuing ban on teams from Belarus and Russia stemming from the invasion of Ukraine.
The 25-year-old will join her fellow Belarusian and twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the 48-player Brisbane field as she prepares for her first Grand Slam title defence at Melbourne Park.
“Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there,” Sabalenka said according to Reuters.
“I can’t wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans.”
Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina, the Wimbledon champion in 2022, lost to Sabalenka in this year’s Melbourne final.
“I’m excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane,” Sabalenka said. “Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there.
Sabalenka opened her 2023 season on a 13-match win streak, pulling in titles in Adelaide and the Australian Open.
She continued to build on the momentum gained Down Under to become the most consistent player on the Hologic WTA Tour at the Grand Slams, making the semifinals or better at each.
After making her second major final of the year at the US Open, Sabalenka rose to World No.1 in September.
Rybakina followed up her 2022 Wimbledon win with a strong 2023 campaign to break into the Top 10 for the first time.
After her run a second major final in Melbourne, Rybakina proceeded to win Indian Wells and Rome and post a 4-1 record against reigning World No.1s.
On the men’s side, fast-rising world number 17 Ben Shelton of the United States will join a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. Pearson said he would welcome Australian Nick Kyrgios to the tournament if he recovers from injury in time.
“We would love to have him here, he’s a past champion and a fan favourite but he needs to do what’s best for him and his recovery,” he said.
“If that means he’s playing in January, fantastic.” Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and then aborted comeback plans at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.
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