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December 4, 2024 5:24 PM IST

Djokovic | Brisbane International

Djokovic to compete in Brisbane International for first time since 2009

The 2025 Brisbane International, scheduled to begin on December 29 at Pat Rafter Arena, announced a star-studded lineup of 61 professional tennis players, headlined by 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion and the holder of 99 career titles, will play at the Brisbane International for the first time since its inaugural year in 2009. The Serbian great is aiming for his 100th title and is excited to return to Brisbane, where he competed in the tournament’s first edition.

“I’m excited to be kicking off my Australian swing at the Brisbane International and to compete again at Pat Rafter Arena. I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible support from the Australian fans and making this tournament one to remember,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic will headline the ATP 250 event alongside defending champion Grigor Dimitrov (No. 10), Holger Rune (No. 13), and Frances Tiafoe (No. 18).

The men’s field also features three Australians: Nick Kyrgios (PR 21), Alexei Popyrin (No. 24), and Jordan Thompson (No. 26), along with Sebastian Korda (No. 22), Matteo Berrettini (No. 34), and Gaël Monfils (No. 55).

The WTA 500 event boasts an equally impressive roster, headlined by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Joining her are three other top-10 players: Jessica Pegula (No. 7), Emma Navarro (No. 8), and Daria Kasatkina (No. 9).

Former Brisbane International champion and two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka (No. 20) will also make her return, adding prestige to a lineup that includes 11 players ranked in the top 20.

In total, 11 top-20 players, including former Brisbane International champion Victoria Azarenka (No. 20), will feature in the event.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson expressed his excitement about the 2025 lineup. “We are thrilled to have Novak headlining the Brisbane International 2025, along with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. This is by far the strongest field the tournament has seen, with 15 of the top-20 men and women players confirmed,” Pearson said.

Highlighting the importance of Australian representation, Pearson added: “Multiple highly ranked Australians will inspire the next generation of tennis fans, and the event will be huge. I cannot wait for the tournament to get underway and for all the fans to experience the world’s best right here in Brisbane.

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Last updated on: 21st December 2024