Top-class fields headed Down Under

Australian Open organisers have announced that January's event will feature the strongest fields in the tournament's history.

All of the world's top 100 men and 99 of the top 100 women are entered into the year's first Grand Slam.

Only No.44 Vera Dushevina will not take part after being forced to withdraw with a right foot injury.

Three-time Australian Open champion Roger Federer heads the men's draw while 2004 champion Justine Henin leads the women.

Australians Lleyton Hewitt, Peter Luczak and Chris Guccione are all direct entrants into the men's main draw as are Samantha Stosur, Alicia Molik, Nicole Pratt and Casey Dellacqua into the women's main draw.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said it was an exciting prospect for tennis fans to be able to witness the best players in the world on their doorstep.

"It's fantastic news to know that all of the world's best tennis players are coming to Melbourne in January for the Australian Open," said Tiley. "The field is sprinkled with genuine superstars, rising stars and Australians, which will no doubt lead to some brilliant tennis."

"At this stage it's the strongest field in the event's history and we're sure this will equate to one of the most exciting tournaments yet."

With 104 direct acceptances into the men's draw, the ranking cut-off is at its lowest ever at 103, which includes Xavier Malisse who has an injury protected ranking of 31.

The women's draw includes 108 direct acceptances and also has its lowest ranking cut-off ever at 108, which includes Evgenia Linetskaya who has an injury protected ranking of 92.

Sixteen qualifiers and eight wildcards will make up the remainder of the men's draw, while the women's field has 12 qualifiers and eight wildcard to be added.