Exciting familiar faces are gearing up for their much-anticipated returns to the 2025 Australian Open next month, bringing renewed energy to the tournament.

New mother Belinda Bencic, who recently welcomed her daughter Bella on April 23rd, will be competing using her protected ranking. Alongside her, the 2022 Australian Open doubles champion Nick Kyrgios will also make his comeback, showcasing the resilience of these remarkable athletes.

At just 27 years old, Bencic has already made a name for herself in the tennis world, reaching the semifinals of the 2019 US Open. In her last Grand Slam season in 2023, she demonstrated her skills by advancing to the round of 16 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open, proving her capability to compete at the highest level.

Meanwhile, former Wimbledon finalist Kyrgios is preparing for his return to the tour at the Brisbane tournament next month. This comeback is particularly exciting as he aims to recreate his past success, notably winning the doubles championship at the Australian Open in 2022 alongside his close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The 29-year-old Kyrgios, whose last competitive match was a loss in June 2023 at Stuttgart, is one of six male players entering the Australian Open utilizing their protected rankings. This strategic move allows them to compete at a high level despite their absence from the tour.

Also featured on the entry list are former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori, Pablo Carreno Busta, Reilly Opelka, Jenson Brooksby, and Dominic Stricker, all of whom are leveraging their protected rankings to participate in this prestigious event.

The main-draw entry cut-off for both the men’s and women’s singles fields is currently set at No. 98, ensuring that only the top talents compete. Among the participants, there are 11 Australians, with Alex de Minaur leading the lineup of ten Australian men striving for success on home soil.

As we look forward to the 2025 Australian Open, reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner and two-time defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka will be defending their titles, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 26, 2025, promising thrilling matches and unforgettable moments for tennis enthusiasts worldwide.

The three-round Australian Open Qualifying Tournament is set to occur from January 6 to January 9, providing players with another opportunity to secure their spots in this iconic event.