Along with the mixed teams United Cup in Sydney and Perth before the first Grand Slam event of the year in Melbourne, the Brisbane International is once again set to take place prior to the Australian Open in the following year.
Pat Rafter and Ash Barty, both former world No. 1 players, praised the Queensland Tennis Centre for hosting their local tournament on Friday, which will feature an increased 32-player field for both the men’s and women’s singles competitions.
Between 2009 and 2019, the Brisbane tournament that preceded the Australian Open was a major success, drawing large audiences to both the Pat Rafter Arena and the outdoor courts to witness Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, and Maria Sharapova win championships.
Before this year’s mixed teams United Cup made its debut, the men’s ATP Cup was then launched, and the Brisbane International was played as a women’s tournament in 2020.
With her husband Garry Kissick, Barty has a son named Hayden. She supported the decision to reintroduce Brisbane as a separate event from December 31 to January 7, but she was convinced it would not tempt her out of retirement.
The players like coming here and the environment, she added, noting that it was the opening week of the calendar. But (becoming a mother) is something I’m totally embracing.
After Brisbane also hosted two group rounds last year, the Australian season will start on December 29 with the mixed teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney in a simplified tournament.
The Adelaide International, a WTA 500 and ATP 250 event, will take place from January 8 to 13 while the Hobart International (WTA 250) will once again take place.
