Tennis Australia has awarded eight main draw wildcards to Australians for the first Grand Slam of 2025.
Ajla Tomljanović, Daria Saville, Maya Joint, Emerson Jones, Talia Gibson, Li Tu, Tristan Schoolkate and James McCabe will be guaranteed a first-round match at Melbourne Park.
After experiencing a torrid ACL injury at the Japan Open in September 2022, it's been a long road back for Saville.
The former world No.20 is rediscovering some of her best form, winning the W60 Sydney title two weeks ago, and is rearing to go ahead of a massive Australian summer.
"I’m delighted to have another opportunity to compete in the main draw of the Australian Open," Saville said. "I’d like to thank Tennis Australia for their continued support and allowing me to compete in my home Slam.
"I am incredibly motivated and working hard to make my way back inside the top-100 and back to my career-high ranking of 20. The Australian summer is my favourite time of the year playing at home, and hopefully it sets the tone for a strong 2025 season."
Despite suffering injury troubles for the past two years, Tomljanović is on the cusp of breaking back into the world's top-100.
The 31-year-old will look to progress past the first week of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.
"There’s no better feeling than playing in Melbourne in front of all the Aussie fans," said Tomljanović. "I’m so excited and grateful to be back competing at the Australian Open."
Maya Joint (18) and Emerson Jones (16) have also been announced as wildcard recipients.
The duo shared the 2024 Junior Female Athlete of the Year title at the Newcombe Awards on Monday night thanks to stellar seasons.
"It means the world to me to play in the Australian Open main draw for the first time," Joint said.
"A massive thank you to Tennis Australia for making this dream come true. I can’t wait to play my home Slam, and it is extra special for me as my family is from Melbourne. I am so excited to have this opportunity to play in front of them."
For Jones, her wildcard is nothing short of deserved after becoming the first Australian female to achieve the No.1 Junior ranking since Jelena Dokic in 1998.
"It’s hard to believe I will be playing my first Grand Slam match here in Australia," said the two-time Junior Grand Slam finalist.
"I’m excited, the crowds at the AO junior final this year really blew my mind and I enjoyed every match with this support. I’m training really hard right now with this opportunity on my mind."
South Australian Li Tu made a name for himself in last year's US Open by qualifying for the main draw on merit for the first time, which led to the 28-year-old taking a set off four-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After his victory in the final round of qualifying at Flushing Meadows last year, Tu spoke with The First Serve about his journey and how he backflipped out of retirement.
"I’m incredibly excited and grateful to Tennis Australia for this amazing opportunity," said Tu.
"I can’t wait to showcase my best tennis at Melbourne Park in front of the home crowd. I think it will be a great way to start my year and set myself up for a big 2025. [I'm] hoping for my best year yet."
The Australian Open main draw commences Sunday, January 12.
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