Milan, Dec. 9 (LaPresse) – Among the women, Sabalenka will face, in addition to defending champion Madison Keys, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek—who, like Alcaraz, is aiming for a Career Grand Slam after her 2025 Wimbledon victory—and reigning Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff (against whom she lost in the final in Paris).
Among the top 100, world No. 64 Danielle Collins and No. 76 Ons Jabeur will be absent, the latter currently on maternity leave, while former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, Chinese player Wang Yafan, and promising Thai player Mananchaya Sawangkaew have entered using protected rankings. Eight wild cards and 16 qualifiers will complete the 128-player draw for both men’s and women’s singles. Qualifying matches will take place at Melbourne Park from January 12 to 15 as part of the Opening Week.