The world’s number one male tennis player – Novak Djokovic – is set to headline the Brisbane leg of the ATP Cup in January, playing at the Queensland Tennis Centre for the first time since 2009.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones attended this morning’s ATP Cup draw and said Djokovic would draw thousands of fans to the event.
“Novak Djokovic is not only the best male tennis player in the world, but one of the greatest players to ever live. To have him playing in Brisbane will bring thousands of people to Queensland,” Ms Jones said.
“He’ll join the world’s top female tennis player, Queenslander Ash Barty who’ll be competing at the Brisbane International – an elite women’s competition – at the same time.
“Securing the world’s number one male and female and tennis players for the first time in Brisbane will be an incredible attraction for tennis fans across the world.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the fact that Queensland is recognised as one of the best places in the world to host major events.
“Last year the Brisbane International delivered close to $10 million to the state’s economy and attracted tens of thousands of visitors – an experience which will be boosted in 2020 by the ATP Cup and Brisbane International running in conjunction.”
Ms Jones said Tourism and Events Queensland invested in the new format of the inaugural ATP Cup because it would deliver strong outcomes for the local economy.
“Queenslanders love tennis and it is a strong tourism driver, nationally and internationally. By growing major events like this, we are creating tourism jobs for Queenslanders.”
In addition to Novak Djokovic, Brisbane will host the world number six and seven, Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. Brisbane has also secured wild card entry team Australia, headlined by Nick Kyrigos. Rounding out Brisbane’s line up are teams France, South Africa and Canada.
Other countries announced in today’s draw for Brisbane include France, Greece, South Africa, Canada and wild card Australia, who will each send their top ranking players to compete, including world number seven Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Tennis Queensland CEO Mark Handley said he was particularly happy with the draw for Brisbane.
“We are wrapped with the quality and depth of the players drawn to compete in the inaugural ATP Cup across both groups in Brisbane,” he said.
“Group F in particular features a star-studded pooling of the next generation of ATP heroes.
“Today’s draw solidified Brisbane as the only city where fans can come and watch the world’s best men and women launch their season.”
