Australian Open entries announced

The athletes competing in the first wheelchair tennis Grand Slam of 2013 were revealed. 18 Jan 2013

A picture of a man in a wheelchair serving during a tennis match

Netherlands' Ronald Vink in action during the men's wheelchair tennis bronze medal match at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

ⒸGetty Images

By IPC

The total prize purse for the Australian Open Wheelchair Championships has been increased this year to $AUD 90,000.

The entries have been announced for the first wheelchair tennis Grand Slam of 2013, the Australian Open, which will take place from 23-28 January at Melbourne Park.

The world’s top seven ranked players at the entry deadline plus one wildcard make up the field of eight competing in the men’s and women’s events.

The final men’s wildcard spot will be awarded to an Australian player, with Ben Weekes and Adam Kellerman scheduled to play in the wildcard play-off on Monday (21 January).

The total prize purse for the Australian Open Wheelchair Championships has been increased this year to $AUD 90,000.

Here’s a list of the Australian Open entries. Figures in brackets denote world ranking at entry deadline.

Men

Stephane Houdet, France (1)

Shingo Kunieda, Japan (2)

Maikel Scheffers, Netherlands (3)

Ronald Vink, Netherlands (4)

Gustavo Fernandez, Argentina (5)

Michael Jeremiasz, France (6)

Stefan Olsson, Sweden (7)

Wildcard athlete, TBA

Women