Sydney (AFP)
World number 1 Ashleigh Barty confirmed on Tuesday that she will compete in the Tokyo Olympics, leading an Australian Olympic team of 11 players, including Nick Kyrgios.
The announcement of Barty, 25, victorious at Roland Garros in 2019, comes the day after Serena Williams' forfeit which is added to that of Rafael Nadal for the men's tournament.
The Australian plans to play the singles and doubles in Japan.
"Going to the Games is always a dream when you're younger. I can't wait to be there," said the Australian champion.
She will be accompanied to Tokyo by four players, including Samantha Stosur who will play, at 37, her 5th Games, and six players.
On the men's side, Alex de Minaur, 15th player in the world, winner at Eastbourne last week, will lead the list, but Kyrgios (60th) will be eagerly awaited.
They will both play in singles and De Minaur will also compete in doubles.
They have never participated in the Olympics.
The others selected are Ajla Tomljanovic in women's singles, Storm Sanders who will play the women's doubles with Barty and Ellen Perez, with Stosur.
Two other players, John Millman and James Duckworth, will be entered in men's singles, while Luke Saville will play with Millman in doubles, and John Peers with De Minaur.
Mixed doubles teams will be announced on July 27.
© 2021 AFP