Ajla Tomljanovic, Thanasi Kokkinakis withdraw from Brisbane International

Two of Australia’s top talents are racing the clock to play in their home grand slam after injuries forced them out of a tournament.

Two of Australia’s most experienced singles players are racing the clock to be fit for the Australian Open after withdrawing from key lead-in tournaments this week.

Former Wimbledon and US Open quarter-finalist Ajla Tomljanovic decided to pull out of the Brisbane International and Hobart International as she continues to battle the left knee injury she suffered playing for Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup last month.

It came hours after Thanasi Kokkinakis also ruled himself out of the Brisbane tournament, citing a “small hip issue”, but the injury-prone 28-year-old said he hoped to return quickly, with his home event in Adelaide beginning on January 6.

“Sad to miss the Brisbane International this year,” Kokkinakis wrote on X.

“Dealing with a small hip issue that needs some more time, but hopefully back for the rest of the summer.”

Ajla Tomljanovic enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign but faces a battle to be fully fit for the Australian Open after suffering a fresh knee injury in November. Picture: Nathan Stirk / Getty Images

Tomljanovic, 31, could arrive at Melbourne Park with no competitive tennis under her belt since her injury, after piecing together a strong campaign in 2024 following a year marred by injuries.

She missed the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon due to a lingering knee issue after reaching a career-high ranking of no. 32 in early 2023.

“I’m so disappointed to withdraw from the Brisbane International, but I wanted to be 100 per cent ready to compete, which I am not,” Tomljanovic wrote on Instagram.

“I’ll continue my prep and see you all at the Australian Open.”

Tomljanovic holds a current world ranking of 109 but was granted a main draw wildcard at Melbourne Park alongside compatriots Daria Saville, Emerson Jones, Talia Gibson and Maya Joint.

Olivia Gadecki (world no. 96) was the only Australian women’s player to automatically qualify for the main draw.