Nick Kyrgios accepts the Sydney Tennis Classic joker card before the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios ’road to the Australian Open appears to be ready when Aussie approves a wildcard for the Sydney warm-up event as Melbourne’s grand slam tournament prepares for a plentiful absence of stars.

Kyrgios, who is now on the world list after the 93rd silent season in 2021, when he played only 15 matches, will compete in the Sydney Tennis Classic from 10 January.

It is the last 13 victories on the former world list before the Australian Open, which is progressing despite the current spread of the COVID-19 virus across the country and the proposed vaccination exemptions for some of the best international players.

Eighteen of the world’s top 24 women, including world number one Ashleigh Barty, will tune in to the Open at the Sydney Tennis Classic, as will Australia’s number one in men, Alex de Minaur.

Local pair Alex Bolt and Thanasi Kokkinakis as well as well-off West Australian Storm Sanders have received wildcards at Adelaide International since January 2nd.

“I’ve been training at home in Canberra and here in Sydney and I can after a very long break,” Kyrgios, who starts the year as Australia’s sixth-ranked man, said.

“I look forward to the final win before the AO, thanks to Tennis Australia for the opportunity to play.”

Injuries and reluctance to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a decline in mercury talent.

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But his ticket sales, which will stand in Melbourne Park next month, are as important as ever, given the uncertainty surrounding the status of the sport’s biggest names.

At the top of the list is Novak Djokovic, who is aiming for the men’s record for the 21st grand slam title and the tenth crown at the Australian Open.

The 34-year-old has not yet committed to the Australian Open following a COVID-19 vaccination mandate agreed between Australia and the Victorian Health Department of Health.

Djokovic has repeatedly refused to disclose whether or not he has been vaccinated, citing privacy concerns.

The Serb is set to lead his country at the ATP Cup on 1 January in Sydney, and Tennis Australia this week denies the European press claims he has withdrawn.

The 2020 finalist Dominic Thiem withdrew from the Australian Open on Tuesday due to a wrist injury and joined 20-time grand slam winner Roger Federer (knee) on the high-profile injury list.

Another 20-time championship winner Rafael Nadal, currently ranked fifth in the world list Andrey Rublev and Denis Shapovalov (14) have contracted the coronavirus and may be suspicious participants.

On the women’s side, Serena Williams, Karolina Pliskova and Bianca Andreescu are not in Melbourne, while Olympic champion Belinda Bencic and US Open winner Emma Raducanu have also contracted the coronavirus, raising suspicion of their involvement.

AAP / ABC Sport