Barty in frame to nab high seeding
ASHLEIGH Barty is in line for a precious Australian Open top- 16 seeding following the withdrawal of world No. 12 Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Russia’s two- time grand slam champion is out after undergoing wrist surgery, with China’s Saisai Zheng the only other top- 100 player not contesting the year’s first major at Melbourne Park.
Kuznetsova’s scratching leaves Barty as the 16th- highest ranked player in the women’s 128- strong draw, ensuring the big home hope will avoid topeight rival until at least the fourth round.
The Newcombe Medallist will be among three Australian seeds when the biggest and richest event on the annual sporting calendar gets under way on January 15. World No. 25 Daria Gavrilova will again be seeded as she strives to reach the second week for the third year in a row.
Nick Kyrgios is currently ranked 21st but could improve his seeding with a strong showing at the Brisbane International starting on December 31.
Every top 100 player in the men’s rankings has entered, with six- time champion Novak Djokovic, five- time runner- up Andy Murray and 2014 winner Stan Wawrinka among a host of big names making their returns from injury.
Rafael Nadal and new women’s world No. 1 Simona Halep will be the top seeds as 36- year- olds Roger Federer and Serena Williams attempt to defend their crowns.
Queenslander John Millman is expected to use an injuryprotected ranking to gain entry to the men’s main draw alongside Kyrgios and fellow Australians Jordan Thompson and wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis.