High-profile tennis players have found it very hard to stay away from tennis over the past few years.
Venus Williams continues to return to tennis, while Ons Jabeur has refused to rule out her retirement despite stepping away from the sport in 2025.
On the ATP Tour, Nick Kyrgios has continued to return to tennis despite his injury difficulties over the years.
However, none of those players have left it as long as four-time Grand Slam champion Daniela Hantuchova, who has been confirmed for an upcoming tournament in Australia.
Daniela Hantuchova announced for Kooyong Classic
Hantuchova officially retired from tennis in 2017, but she has been announced for a ‘guest appearance’ at the Kooyong Classic.
The former world number five reached a singles Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open in 2008, but she truly excelled in the mixed doubles.
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The Slovakian tennis star won four Grand Slam mixed doubles crowns with four different partners between 2002 and 2005.
She will now return to tennis to play the Kooyong Classic alongside Alexandra Eala, Donna Vekic, and Priscilla Hon.
It is currently unclear whether this is a one-off appearance or part of a bonafide comeback to the sport.
The men’s draw for the event features Alexander Zverev, Alexander Bublik, Kyrgios, and Hubert Hurkacz.
What is the Kooyong Classic?
The Kooyong Classic is an annual exhibition event held in Melbourne, traditionally before the Australian Open.
Several top stars have bought into the exhibition format before, which sees eight players battle it out in the non-knockout format.
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Over the years, Grand Slam champions such as Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Roddick have played and won the event.
The event was not held in 2025, due to operational issues, so the last winner of the tournament was Richard Gasquet in 2024.
The women’s draw last winner was Belinda Bencic, who ousted Andrea Petkovic to finish top and lift the trophy.
