James Ward takes Australian Open place

Great Britain's James Ward has been guaranteed a place in the first round of this month's Australian Open.

It was anticipated that as a sixth alternate, the 27-year-old would be forced to come through the qualifiers to feature in Melbourne.

However, the confirmation from US Open champion Marin Cilic earlier today that a shoulder injury will prevent him from playing has meant that world number 101 Ward will go straight into the main draw.

As a result, Ward has become the first British male, other than Andy Murray, to have earned direct entry into a Grand Slam tournament since Tim Henman at Flushing Meadows in 2007.

Meanwhile, fellow Brits Kyle Edmund, Liam Broady and Brydan Klein will all enter the qualifying phase at Melbourne Park next week.