Bernard Tomic has signed up to play the Kooyong exhibition event the week before the Australian Open, suggesting he could also play qualifying at the Grand Slam event.
The 25-year-old Australian is scheduled to play Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, who is just starting his comeback from an injury. It would be Tomic's first public appearance on the courts this season, with the No. 140 withdrawing from qualifying at this week's event at Brisbane and also not playing in Sydney, where he has regularly competed during his career.
Tomic was not given a wild card for the Australian Open, with officials citing his decision to refuse to play the Tennis Australia wild-card playoffs or come to a training camp with other Australian players. Players who do not win the playoffs but perform at a high level are often considered for additional wild cards.
Tomic has not spoken about his plans. He has not won an ATP-level match since Wimbledon, where he questioned whether he had the motivation to commit to his career.
Tomic's controversial father, John, was recently quoted by the AAP as saying, "Next week, see me and I may say something."
The wire agency also said Tomic was still entered for qualifying at the Australian Open, which is played next week.
Tomic has three career titles and has reached as high as 17 in the rankings.