Six Australians have been awarded wildcards into their home grand slam, including local favourite Alexei Popyrin.
Jason Kubler, Rinky Hijikata, Storm Hunter, Talia Gibson, Olivia Gadecki and Popyrin were awarded wildcards to the event – which runs from January 16-29.
Popyrin has made the third round of the Australian Open twice, but the other five entrants are seeking their first main draw singles win at the event.
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Gadecki will be making her main draw debut at the event, with the 20-year-old mentored by Australian Open champion Ash Barty.
The Queenslander sat out last year’s event after opting not to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
Hunter faced off against big-hitting Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka at the event last year, leading by a set and a break before ultimately falling short in a deciding third set.
Hijikita made a similarly impressive start late in 2022 against Rafael Nadal, taking the first set against the 22-time grand slam champion before losing in four sets.
It marked a meteoric rise up the rankings for Hijikata, who finished the season inside the top 100 after starting it outside the top 350.
Gibson will be playing her first main draw major and the 18-year-old was named Junior Female Athlete of the Year at the Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards earlier in December.
Kubler, 29, spent a period inside the top 100 this year after being ranked outside the top 200, following a season that included a run to the fourth round at Wimbledon.
The latest wildcards come after American tennis great Venus Williams was awarded entry to the Australian Open at age 42.
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