Just a few
days away from the Australian Open deadline, several top female tennis players
have yet to confirm their participation, including Bianca Andreescu, Petra
Kvitova, and Belinda Bencic.
With just
over a month left until the first Grand Slam of the year, scheduled from
January 14 to 28, 2024, the organizers are in need of confirmation from players
who have already secured their spots. As the Monday deadline approaches, Weibo
reports that there are still some players who haven't confirmed their presence
at the tournament.
Specifically,
six players have yet to confirm their participation, and it remains uncertain
whether they will compete in the 2024 Australian Open. World No. 14 Petra
Kvitova and world No. 17 Belinda Bencic are the only ones outside the top 50
who have not confirmed.
Bencic's
absence is confirmed, considering her recent announcement of pregnancy, which
will keep her away from the Tour for at least a year. In the case of the
two-times Grand Slam champion, there is no official confirmation from her side.
Others who have not confirmed include former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu,
currently ranked World No. 96, dealing with injuries throughout 2023, along
with Camila Giorgi (53rd), Tatjana Maria (54th), and Irina Camelia-Begu (No.
74th).
The
Australian Open will feature a main draw with several eagerly awaited
comebacks, with Rafael Nadal returning after a year on the men's side. However,
on the women's side, there are exciting players making a return.
Three
former champions stand out, all of them former world No. 1. The 2019 and 2021
champion, Naomi Osaka, will make her return after 15 months of absence due to
pregnancy and the subsequent birth of her first daughter, Shai.
Joining her
is Angelique Kerber (champion in 2016), who also took a lengthy break due to
pregnancy. At 35 years old (turning 36 during the tournament), she seeks to
return to the highest level. Additionally, the star presence of Caroline
Wozniacki (champion in 2018) is expected.
She made a
remarkable return to the WTA Tour during the US hardcourt swing, showing great
form after more than three years away and having two children. This will be her
first appearance in the tournament since 2020, the year she decided to retire.
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.
🚨Australian Open 2024
According to weibo 6 players still haven't confirmed their AO main draw participation:
- Petra Kvitova🇨🇿
- Bianca Andreescu🇨🇦
- Camila Giorgi🇮🇹
- Irina-Camelia Begu🇷🇴
- Tatjana Maria🇩🇪
- Belinda Bencic🇨🇭(pregnant so that's clear)
Deadline is on Monday