Melbourne, Dec 11 (DPA) Serena Williams is the only major name missing from the women’s draw as the Australian Open announced a nearly full entry Saturday for the first Grand Slam of the season starting Jan 17.
Williams, who last played at Wimbledon six months ago and whose return to tennis after a summer foot injury remains uncertain, is out of a field which includes 90 of the top 100 women on the WTA. Also absent is Hungarian number 37 Agnes Szavay.
Women’s world number one Caroline Wozniacki heads that draw as the Dane tries to win her first title at one of the four majors.
All of the men’s top 100 are entered, led by the big four of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Nadal is looking for his second Melbourne title after winning in 2009 while Federer is seeking his fifth at Melbourne Park. Officials said that Juan Del Potro and Russian Dmitry Tursunov have entered with protected injury rankings.
‘To have the top 104 players in the world in the men’s main draw is incredible and shows the high esteem with which the Australian Open is held in world tennis,’ said tournament director Craig Tiley.
‘The women’s field also has every available top player in the world. The players vote with their feet and they are doing it again.’
