WORLD CHAMPIONS TO CONTEST BRISBANE

BRISBANE International has secured a record eight Grand Slam champions for this summer’s tournament, the highest number in the event’s six-year history.

Five of the world’s top 11 men will battle it out for the 2015 title, presented by Suncorp, as well as eight of the world’s top 20 women. 

Grand Slam champions Roger Federer (SUI), Juan Martin del Potro (ARG), Marin Cilic (CRO), Lleyton Hewitt (SA), Maria Sharapova (RUS), Ana Ivanovic (SRB), Sam Stosur (Qld) and Victoria Azarenka (BLR) will descend on Pat Rafter Arena from Sunday 4 January to commence their 2015 campaigns.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Federer will lead the men’s draw alongside Kei Nishikori (JPN), Milos Raonic (CAN), reigning US Open champion Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov (BUL).

Defending Brisbane International champion Hewitt and Gold Coaster Bernard Tomic will star as local favourites for the event, set to get under way at Queensland Tennis Centre on Sunday 4 January.

In the women’s draw, five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova heads the line-up, alongside fellow top 10 players Ivanovic, Angelique Kerber (GER) and Dominika Cibulkova (SVK).

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said fans could look forward to a massive eight days of tennis in January.

“We’re thrilled with the calibre of the fields we have assembled for this summer’s event, the tournament continues to grow each year and 2015 is shaping up as one of our best yet,” he says.

“It’s fantastic to welcome Roger Federer back to Brisbane as well as our men’s defending champion Lleyton Hewitt, newly-crowned Grand Slam champion Marin Cilic and crowd favourites Grigor Dimitrov and Bernard Tomic.

“Each year the event attracts many of the world’s top women and 2015 will be no exception, with Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Sam Stosur, Victoria Azarenka and many more big names set to compete.”

“One of the major reasons the players love coming to Brisbane is the fans, and I encourage the public to come along and show their support this summer.

“Tickets are selling fast so get in early and get ready for another big week of tennis in January.”

Brisbane International 2015 is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland, as part of a dynamic calendar of events throughout the state showcasing Australia’s best events in Australia’s best destinations.

Tickets are still available for the tournament, which runs from January 4 to January 11 at Queensland Tennis Centre, including corporate offerings such as top-level fully catered indoor suites, premium baseline seats and courtside boxes.