Top guns all confirm for Australian Open

All world's top 50 men and women players, bar Victoria Azarenka, have confirmed y will start Australian Open, first Grand Slam of season, at Melbourne Park in January, organisers said. Top-ranked Rafael Nal and Ashleigh Barty le field at 115th edition of tournament from January 20-February 7, which will mark return to action of former world number three Juan Martin del Potro. Argentinian has a protected ranking of 22 as he makes a comeback from a six-month injury break.

RE | Andy Murray Blames 'PlayStation diction' As Reason Behind His Poor Performance

Seven-time winner Serena Williams will play as she targets an elusive 24th Grand Slam title to match all-time haul of Margaret Court. controversial Australian, who has upset some players with her views on homosexuality and gay marri, will be houred during tournament to mark 50th anniversary of her calendar-year Grand Slam. Williams' 39-year-old sister Venus will also be back for ar year.

RE | Murray's Pre-season Training Interrupted By Groin Injury

Missing among top 50 is two-time champion Azarenka, who withdrew prior to entry deline Saturday for unspecified reasons. "We are delighted to welcome this extremely strong player field to Melbourne in what promises to be a once in a generation event," said tournament director Craig Tiley. Over past dece, with exception of Swiss Stan Wawrinka in 2014, men's event has been dominated by vak Djokovic and Roger Federer, while Nal won his first and only crown in 2009.

RE | Does Artem Bahmet's Jaw Dropping Loss To Krittin Koaykul Make Him ' Worst Player Ever'?

Djokovic is defending champion and is gunning for an eighth title while Federer, at 38, is looking for his seventh. women's event has been far more open with seven different champions in past 10 years, including Japan's Naomi Osaka in 2019. Former winner Caroline Wozniacki recently anunced that tournament would be her last before retiring. 

RE | vak Djokovic Crowned As ATP's Top Player Of 2010s Dece