Joining Wozniacki in the women’s singles draw will be a trio of rising Australian stars in Birrell, Gadecki and Preston.

After several injury struggles, Birrell made a heart-warming top-100 debut in 2023 and returns to a tournament that has delivered her plenty of success.

She advanced to the third round at AO 2019 – her best major result– and in 2023 won her first Grand Slam match in four years by upsetting 31st seed Kaia Kanepi.

“It’s a huge honour to receive a main-draw wildcard. There’s no better feeling as an Australian than playing at Melbourne Park at our home Grand Slam,” Birrell said.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity and hope I can make everyone proud during the summer of tennis.”

AO 2023 was also a launchpad for Gadecki, who broke through for her first Grand Slam match win by beating Polina Kudermetova.

She began the season ranked outside the top 200 but soared to world No.127 after reaching six finals on the ITF circuit and winning more than 50 matches.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Tennis Australia has given me. I can’t wait to kick start the year playing in front of a home crowd,” the 21-year-old said.

At just 18, Preston is the youngest of the Aussie wildcard recipients.

The powerful ball-striker from Perth, ranked world No.836 in April, soared towards the top 200 after a brilliant transition to the pro tour, where she won four trophies – the most recent a 60K Australian Pro Tour title in Brisbane in November.