Holger Rune and Denis Shapovalov join Nick Kyrgios in Kooyong Classic field

Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 19:00

Holger Rune and Denis Shapovalov are among the latest players confirmed for the 2027 Kooyong Classic, joining a growing field ahead of the Australian Open. Australian Ajla Tomljanović has also been announced for the exhibition, which will take place at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club from January 12-14.

Nick Kyrgios had already been confirmed for the event, which will feature a mix of established ATP Tour names and emerging talent. Former world No. 4 Rune and former top-10 player Shapovalov bring considerable experience to the lineup, while Tomljanović adds further local interest as the 2020 women's champion.

The latest additions join defending champion Karen Khachanov, Italian duo Lorenzo Musetti and Matteo Berrettini, Frenchman Arthur Fils, American Learner Tien and Spain's Paula Badosa. The organisers have confirmed 10 players so far, with further announcements expected in the coming weeks.

The Kooyong Classic traditionally gives players an opportunity to prepare for the Australian Open through exhibition matches in Melbourne. With the 2027 edition scheduled for January 12-14, the tournament will once again offer fans the chance to see international stars compete in the lead-up to the season's first Grand Slam.

Rune and Shapovalov return to Kooyong

Rune will return to Kooyong for the first time since 2024. The Dane has won five ATP Tour titles, including the 2022 Paris Masters, and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4. His participation comes as he looks to return to the Australian summer following an extended injury layoff.

Shapovalov, meanwhile, will make his second consecutive appearance at the exhibition after competing in 2026. The Canadian reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2021 and has won four ATP Tour titles, including victories in Dallas and Los Cabos in 2025. His presence adds another former top-10 player to the Kooyong lineup.

Tomljanović will also return to the event, where she won the women's title in 2020. The Australian has reached a career-high world ranking of No. 32 and three Grand Slam quarterfinals, including consecutive appearances in the Wimbledon last eight in 2021 and 2022.

Kooyong Classic tournament director Peter Johnston welcomed the three latest additions, highlighting their previous connections with the event and the significance of Tomljanović's return as a former champion. “It's great to welcome Holger, Denis and Ajla back to Kooyong,” Johnston said.

“All three have played here previously, and it's particularly pleasing to have Ajla returning as our 2020 champion. “With the Australian Open just around the corner, Kooyong provides a great opportunity for players to get some competitive tennis under their belts, while giving fans the chance to see some of the world's best players up close.”

Players confirmed for Kooyong Classic, 12-14 January. Arthur Fils Holger Rune Learner Tien Lorenzo Musetti Matteo Berrettini Denis Shapovalov Karen Khachanov Nick Kyrgios Paula Badosa Alja Tomljanovic
— Michal Samulski (@MichalSamulski) October 27, 2026

Khachanov returns as the defending champion, joined by an international group featuring established contenders and emerging talent. Musetti and Berrettini will represent Italy, while Fils and Tien add further youth to the men's field. Badosa is among the confirmed women's players, alongside Tomljanović.

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Kyrgios is also part of the lineup as he looks towards the Australian summer. His inclusion adds another point of interest for local fans, while the latest announcement expands the field with three players who have previously competed at Kooyong.

The 2027 Kooyong Classic will run from January 12-14 at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne, shortly before the Australian Open. Further player announcements are expected as organisers continue to finalise the field.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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