Birrell,25,made her top-100 debut this year and is Australia’s second-ranked player,behind the resurgent Arina Rodionova,after fighting back from a serious elbow injury that required surgery.
“It’s a huge honour to receive a main-draw wildcard,” Birrell said.
“There’s no better feeling as an Australian than playing at Melbourne Park,at our home grand slam. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and hope I can make everyone proud during the summer of tennis.”
Gadecki,whoreached the second round at this year’s AO and is within striking distance of the top 100,and Preston are arguably the country’s best two female prospects.
Preston,an 18-year-old from Perth,was a top-10 junior and is already ranked No. 202 – with a bullet – on the WTA Tour,including winning four titles on the ITF circuit this year.
“Coming back to my favourite slam as a new mum – and bringing my two kids – will be a huge thrill. The whole family is so excited. I’m truly grateful to everyone for the wildcard and having the opportunity to compete again at the AO.”
Caroline Wozniacki
It will be her first main-draw appearance at her home grand slam after capturing her biggest title to date in Brisbane late last month.
“I’ve dreamed of playing the Australian Open since I started playing tennis,so to be given this opportunity is amazing,and I am extremely grateful and excited,” Preston said.
World No.116 Duckworth,who married his long-time partner Madison last Friday,will contest the Australian Open for an 11th time,bidding to beat his best effort of reaching the second round four times.
“I’m very excited to be back playing the Australian Open again – it’s my favourite tournament of the year,” Duckworth said.
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“I have so many great memories playing in Melbourne. I felt like I was starting to gain some momentum towards the end of the year,and I’m looking forward to building on that for the Australian summer.”
Polmans,26,made the second round at the 2020 Australian Open and is set to play the event for the fourth time next month.
The world No.150 has not contested a grand slam main draw since qualifying and winning a round at Wimbledon in 2021.
“After being off the tour for most of 2022[due to an ankle injury that eventually required surgery];I have pushed really hard to get back on track in 2023,so this wildcard into the Aus Open is the perfect start for 2024,” Polmans said.
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It will be Walton’s AO main-draw debut after a strong stint in US college tennis before climbing almost 250 spots this year to be ranked No. 178.
Meanwhile,ATP and WTA tournaments will again be available on a major streaming service,with Prime Video launching a partnership,to start next month,with tennis rights-holder beIN Sports. Kayo Sports cut ties with beIN mid-year,leaving fans of the sport with limited options to watch.