Three former Australian Open champions — Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber — are set to return to Melbourne Park in January following maternity leave, joined by 2022 winner Rafael Nadal and hometown favourite Nick Kyrgios.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley told the tournament launch on October 11 that Nadal (left hip flexor) and Kyrgios (knee, wrist) are expected to return from major injuries in a bid to challenge Novak Djokovic’s dominance at Rod Laver Arena, where he's clinched 10 of his record 24 Grand Slam titles.
“Our 2022 champion Rafa Nadal has been working hard on his rehab for most of this year," Tiley said. “He always brings his best to Melbourne and no one can doubt how hard he competes. I’ve been in touch with his team and he’s now back on the court and looking forward to returning to Melbourne in January."
