The 2024 Australian Open is shaping up to be a 'comeback' Grand Slam as multiple players will enter it with the Special Ranking.
Special Ranking gives players who missed a lot of time, allowing them to enter events they generally wouldn't be able to. The entry lists are formulated by the rankings; however, these players don't have the required rankings which is why they need this special ranking.
It has limited use for a certain number of tournaments, so players can't use it all the time. Rather, they use it for a select few events, which most players spend on the majors. The hope is to earn enough points to improve the ranking so they can enter future events without any problems.
The 2024 Australian Open will have 7 of those in the women's event, as seven players will kind of make a comeback at the event. Naomi Osaka is obviously the biggest name, as the former champion of this event. She's making a comeback after her pregnancy break.
Jennifer Brady is another player, though she already returned and played a few events last year. Angelique Kerber is another player who is leaving from a pregnancy break, so that's going to be interesting. Another player who is returning from a hiatus is Amanda Anisimova, who took a break from the sport last year.
Ajla Tomljanovic is making a return after injury and it will be good to see her on native soil again. Another player who is returning from injury is Caty McNally, who is a super-talented young player capable of doing some damage.
Two other players who used the protected ranking to enter the Australian Open are Aleksandra Krunic and Su-Wei Hsieh. It's good to see the doubles legend still kicking around in singles as well. In any case, the comeback Australian Open is coming up in a bit over a month. Mark your calendars.
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