5 important observations from Australian Open 2026 qualifying entry list ft. Jennifer Brady's comeback after 2 years; Nick Kyrgios still missing

The 2026 Australian Open marks the return of Jennifer Brady, who last played on the tour in October 2023. The organizers have released the qualifying entry list for the first Grand Slam tournament of the 2026 season, scheduled to start on January 12.

The list features former World No. 3 Sloane Stephens and four-time Australian Open quarterfinalist Kei Nishikori, but fans were surprised to see Nick Kyrgios' name still missing. The local favorite has featured in several exhibition matches this month, proving his match fitness, and is expected to earn a wildcard at the 2026 Australian Open.

Polina Kudermetova, the World No. 104, is the highest-ranked player in women's singles qualifying, followed by Veronika Erjavec and Katie Boulter. Meanwhile, Zhuoxuan Bai, Madison Brengle, and Sloane Stephens are three women's singles players to enter the field with special rankings at the next season's first Grand Slam.

So, let's take a look at five important observations from the Australian Open 2026 qualifying entry list:

Jennifer Brady returns after two years

Jennifer Brady last featured in the event in October 2023, where she suffered a knee injury during the second-round match in Beijing. The American is ranked 618th in singles and has secured her return to the Grand Slam event in Melbourne with protective rankings.

The 30-year-old last appeared at the 2021 Australian Open, where she finished as the runner-up and later achieved her career-high ranking of No. 13. Brady has been struggling with injuries since 2021 and underwent knee surgery in January 2024.

It will be interesting to see how Jennifer Brady performs in the qualifiers, with the likes of Katie Boulter, Taylor Townsend, and the former US Open champion Sloane Stephens also in the field.

Nick Kyrgios' name missing

Nick Kyrgios' name was missing from the qualifying list for the 2026 Australian Open, released on December 24. The former Australian No. 1 entered the main draw of the 2025 edition of the Melbourne major due to a protective ranking and was expected to earn a qualifying wildcard for the 2026 event. However, organizers have yet to release the three men's singles wildcards, and Kyrgios is expected to be on the list.

On his return to the 2025 Australian Open after a two-year hiatus, the 30-year-old suffered a crushing first-round defeat against Jacob Fearnley. He later said that he "can't see himself playing a singles match" at the home Grand Slam tournament, but recently confirmed his desire to return for the 2026 event.

With the top Aussies Jordan Thompson, Bernard Tomic, and Alex Bolt in the qualifying list, and Nick Kyrgios playing the 2026 Brisbane International, the chances of the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up earning a wildcard are high.

Sloane Stephens leads women's qualifying list

Sloane Stephens has been included in the 2026 Australian Open qualifying list due to her protective rankings. The 2017 US Open winner is the only former Grand Slam winner to feature in the qualifying rounds at Melbourne Park next month.

The 32-year-old American suffered a first-round exit against Aryna Sabalenka at the 2025 Australian Open. Since then, she featured in just two tour-level events and concluded the 2025 season with six defeats in six singles matches. Stephens, who reached the semifinals in 2013, faces tough competition in the qualifying, with the likes of Katie Boulter and Taylor Townsend also participating.

Alexander Blockx eyes Grand Slam main draw debut at 2026 Australian Open

The qualifying list also features several rising youngsters, including the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals runner-up Alexander Blockx. The 20-year-old Belgian displayed his potential after defeating Marcos Giron at the Cincinnati Masters to earn his first ATP tour win this season.

The World No. 116 won the Australian Open as a junior in 2023, beating Learner Tien in the final. Tien avenged that loss to win the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals this month, but Blockx showed a lot of promise of becoming a top player in the future. After suffering an exit in the first qualifying round in 2024 and 2025, Blockx will eye his first qualifying win and look to earn his main draw Grand Slam debut next month.

Lleyton Hewitt's son receives qualifying wildcard again

The 2026 Australian Open qualifying list features one exciting name, Cruz Hewitt, the son of the former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam winner, Lleyton Hewitt. He featured in the 2025 qualifying with a wildcard and lost to Nikoloz Basilashvili in the first match.

Cruz Hewitt turned 17 earlier this month and is one of nine junior players to receive a qualifying wildcard at Melbourne Park. The World No. 734 will be the lowest-ranked player in the men's singles qualifying at the first major of the next season. Cruz, who joined his father at the Sydney Challenger last month and made it to the mixed doubles quarterfinals, is also part of the junior Grand Slam event at Melbourne Park starting on January 24.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam