The USTA has announced its entire field for the upcoming Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs. Rhyne Williams is back to defend his title and–more importantly–earn a spot in the main draw of 2014’s first Grand Slam.

Denis Kudla, Rhyne Williams, Steve Johnson, Tennys Sandgren, Austin Krajicek, Bjorn Fratangelo, Chase Buchanan, and Jarmere Jenkins will make up the eight-man field for the USTA Australian Open Wild card Playoffs.

The single-elimination tournament, played on indoor hard courts, is scheduled for December 20-22 in Atlanta, Ga. One spot in the main draw of the upcoming season’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne is on the line.

Williams, who beat Tim Smyczek in last year’s final, eventually lost to No. 25 seed Florian Mayer 2-6, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(12), 6-1 in round one of the Australian Open. Smyczek, who has direct entry this time around, lost again in 2013 qualifying but got a lucky-loser spot in…