Caroline Wozniacki: 2018 Australian Open winner earns wildcard spot in Melbourne – ‘A special place’

Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki has been granted a main-draw wild card spot for the 2024 Australian Open.

The 33-year-old’s stunning comeback in the sport continues in the first Grand Slam of the calendar year, commencing on January 14 live on Eurosport and discovery+.

She made her return to Grand Slam action at the US Open and progressed to the fourth round, where she was beaten in three sets by eventual winner Coco Gauff.

Now, her focus is on creating more memories Down Under after emerging victorious in Melbourne at the 2018 edition of the tournament.

“Melbourne’s one of my most favourite cities in the world, and I can’t wait to share it with my family and my kids.

“It’s obviously a tournament I feel extremely comfortable at. I love the balls, I love the court, and I love the fans,” she said.

“And I hope that I get a nice welcome back when I see everyone there – and I’m sure I will; it really is a special place.

“I’m truly grateful to everyone for the wild card and having the opportunity to compete again at the AO in January.”

Among the other wild card entries includes New South Wales native James Duckworth, who enjoyed a successful 2023 after winning ATP Challenger events in Shenzhen and Playford, and is close to breaking back into the top 100 again.

“I’m very excited to be back playing the Australian Open again. It’s my favourite tournament of the year. I have so many great memories playing in Melbourne,” Duckworth said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, five more Australians have been granted wild card entries, with Kimberly Birrell, Olivia Gadecki, Taylah Preston, Marc Polmans and Adam Walton all set to feature in Melbourne.