The 2008 Australian tennis Open will feature the strongest fields in the tournament's 103-year history, with officials yesterday announcing the entries of the world's top 100 men and 99 of the top 100 women.
Three-time champion Roger Federer heads the men's draw, while world No 1 Justine Henin,the 2004 champion, is the women's top seed.
Australians Lleyton Hewitt, Peter Luczak and Chris Guccione are all direct entrants into the 128-strong men's draw, with compatriots Samantha Stosur, Alicia Molik, Nicole Pratt and Casey Dellacqua into the women's main draw.
Following the release of the first entry lists, the only omission from the top 100 women was Russia's world No 44 Vera Dushevina, who was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury.
With 104 direct acceptances into the men's draw, the ranking cut-off is at its lowest ever at 103, which includes Belgian Xavier Malisse, ranked at 31.
The women's draw includes 108 direct acceptances and also has its lowest ranking cut-off ever, at 108. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said he was thrilled with the line-up. "It's fantastic news to know that all of the world's best tennis players are coming to Melbourne.
"The field is sprinkled with genuine superstars, rising stars and Australians - which will no doubt lead to some brilliant tennis."
The women's field currently includes five former champions in Henin, the Williams sisters - Venus and defending champion Serena - Amelie Mauresmo and Lindsay Davenport, while the men's field includes three past winners in Federer, Thomas Johansson and Marat Safin.
