Australian Mission — Sabalenka warms up in Brisbane tourney

SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — Aryna Sabalenka will launch preparations for the defense of her Australian Open crown by playing in the Brisbane International, organizers said on Tuesday.

Elena Rybakina — beaten by Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne at the start of this year — will also play at the 31 December to 7 January Brisbane event.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was already named in the field as she returns to tennis.

"I'm excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane," world No. 2 Sabalenka said in a statement released by organizers.

"Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there."

Tournament director Cam Pearson said he was looking forward to welcoming the Belarusian Sabalenka and Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina, who is fourth in the world.

"We all remember the exciting Australian Open final the girls played at the start of the year," he told a news conference.

"That has really kicked off what is a pretty exciting rivalry between the two players."

On the men's side, fast-rising world No. 17 Ben Shelton of the United States will join a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray.

Pearson said he would welcome Australian Nick Kyrgios to the tournament if he recovers from injury in time.

"We would love to have him here, he's a past champion and a fan favorite but he needs to do what's best for him and his recovery," he said.

"If that means he's playing in January, fantastic."

Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and then aborted comeback plans at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.