Australian Open 2023 wildcards: Which men's and women's singles players have been given direct entry to main draw?

The Australian Open is here, with the world's tennis stars battling it out at the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

With 100 men and women already placed in the main draw, there are some players who were awarded wildcards for the tournament, including eight Australians.

Home talent Alexei Popyrin, Jason Kubler, Rinky Hijikata, Storm Hunter, Talia Gibson and Olivia Gadecki earned spots while veteran John Millman and 23-year-old Jamie Fourlis were also late additions. 

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams was originally awarded a wildcard before withdrawing through injury, while fellow Americans Taylor Townsend and Christopher Eubanks were also given wildcards.

Men's Australian Open 2023 wildcards

Women's Australian Open 2023 wildcards

*Venus Williams was originally handed a wildcard but withdrew on January 7

What is a wildcard player?

A wildcard is a player whose world ranking is not high enough to qualify automatically for the Australian Open, however, they are accepted into the main draw at the discretion of a selection panel.

How many wildcards are awarded for the Australian Open?

There are eight men's and women's singles wildcards awarded each year.

Australia/USA/France reciprocal wildcard arrangement

The Australian Open Wildcard Play-off provides Australia's best players an opportunity to win a spot into the main draw.

Tennis Australia also has a reciprocal arrangement with the French Tennis Federation and USTA, offering exchanges in French Open and US Open wildcards.

When is Australian Open 2023?

The Australian Open men's and women's singles began on Monday, January 16 and will end Sunday, January 29.