Australian Open 2011 will feature one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history, with all of the world’s top 100 men and 98 of the top 100 women entered into the year’s first Grand Slam event. World No.1 Rafael Nadal is focused on winning his fourth consecutive major to complete a ‘Rafa Slam’, while world No.2 Roger Federer’s mission will be to hoist the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup for a fifth time. Caroline Wozniacki is on the hunt for a maiden Grand Slam title to go with her No.1 ranking, and Australia’s very own Sam Stosur, world No.6, has the game and the belief to take the next step.

The first entry lists have been released with injured Serena Williams the only omission from the top 100 women. The 104 direct acceptances into the men’s draw include Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) and Dmitry Tursunov (RUS), both of whom used their injury protected rankings. The women’s draw includes 107 direct acceptances, with notable exceptions Elena Dementieva (RUS) who retired at the end of the season and world No.37 Agnes Szavay (HUN), also out with injury.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he was thrilled with the line-up. “To have the top 104 players in the world in the men’s main draw is incredible and shows the high esteem with which the Australian Open is held in world tennis. “The women’s field also has every available top player in the world. The players vote with their feet and they are doing it again. I think it is a credit to the Australian public, the staff at the event and the facilities both at Melbourne Park and in the city of Melbourne that the players have such high regard for the Australian Open.

“We are in for some incredible tennis in January.” The men’s field will be completed by 16 qualifiers and eight wildcards, while the women’s field has 12 qualifiers and eight wildcard to be added.