The Brisbane International Tennis tournament, a highly anticipated event in the tennis calendar, is set to commence on December 31, continuing through to January 7.
This event marks the start of Rafael Nadal’s Australian tennis season and will be broadcast live and free on the 9Network.
This year’s lineup is particularly impressive, featuring nine Grand Slam champions. Fans will be delighted to see Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin, and Sloane Stephens joining Nadal.
In the men’s category, four top 20 players are set to compete, including Holger Rune (World No. 8), Grigor Dimitrov (World No. 14), Ben Shelton (World No. 17), and Ugo Humbert (World No. 20). Notably, Sebastian Korda, known for his remarkable victories, will also participate.
The women’s draw is equally exciting. Naomi Osaka returns to the court after becoming a mother, and eight of the world’s top 20 players are in the lineup. Notable entrants include Karolina Pliskova, a former world No. 1 and three-time champion of the Brisbane International, and Madison Keys (World No. 12).
Representing Australia in the men’s singles are Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell, and Jordan Thompson, with Kimberly Birrell waving the Queensland flag.
Jelena Dokic, Nine’s Wide World of Sports tennis expert, shared her excitement about the event.
“With Rafa and Osaka both plotting their Australian Open returns, the eyes of both the sporting and tennis world will be eagerly awaiting the Brisbane International,”
“After a long break, it will be great to have them back on court again in Australia. They have both played the Brisbane International before and they’re former Australian Open champions, so they like our conditions. Expect some jaw-dropping matches and don’t be surprised to see our emerging Aussies lift on home soil for some underdog wins.”
The live coverage on the 9Network will be hosted by Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips, with tournament commentary featuring Jelena Dokic, Peter Psaltis, Tom Rehn, and Wally Masur.
