It was an exciting Monday in Australian tennis with four homegrown talents issued wildcard invitations to the first Grand Slam of 2026, but there was a notable absentee.
Just days after accepting a wildcard invitation to the Brisbane International, former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios will be left to wait on a potential Australian Open appearance.
Local favourites Priscilla Hon, Talia Gibson, Taylah Preston and Rinky Hijikata were each given wildcard entries to the Australian Open main draw, which is set to begin on January 18.
Fortunately for Kyrgios though, there are still three vacant wildcard spots left in the men's draw, which will be issued closer to the opening of the tournament.
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Currently ranked 671st in the world after a mountain of injuries and surgeries, Kyrgios will be relying on a wildcard entry to feature in the home Grand Slam.
In his one Grand Slam appearance in 2025, Kyrgios bowed out in the first round of the Australian Open to British player Jacob Fearnley in straight sets.
After being out of action for most of the year due to injury, Kyrgios is set to take on top-ranked women's player Aryna Sabalenka in the 'Battle of the Sexes' match later this month, before returning home for the Brisbane International, which kicks off on January 4, 2026.