Top players for Australian Open

All of the world's top 100-ranked men and all but two of the best 100 women are going to take part in next month's Australian Open, organisers said on Saturday.

World number one Rafael Nadal is chasing his fourth consecutive major to complete a 'Rafa Slam', while world number two Roger Federer is bidding for a fifth Australian title.

The first entry lists to be released show Serena Williams and Hungary's 37th-ranked Agnes Szavay both out with injury.

Organisers said the 104 direct acceptances into the men's draw include Argentina's former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro and Russian Dmitry Tursunov, who both have used their injury-protected rankings.

SYDNEY, AFP