Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today confirmed a star-studded line-up of top women’s talent will take the court for the 2020 Brisbane International.
Former world number one Venus Williams, former Grand Slam champion Sloane Stephens as well as locals Sam Stosur and Alja Tomljanovic were announced today as the latest big names to join the tournament, following the release of the full field of players.
Ms Jones said it was one of the most diverse and exciting line-ups in the event’s history.
“This will be the best line-up in the world in 2020. It will be a blockbuster,” she said.
“If you’re a tennis fan, Brisbane will be the place to be in January.
“Queensland is home to some of the best athletes and venues in world sport and today’s news reinforces the strength of the Brisbane International and helps to build on our reputation as the major events capital of Australia.
“We know Queenslanders and Australians will flock to support our world number one and local hero Ash Barty and all the Aussies in the field.
“Add to that the exciting international talent including Venus Williams and Naomi Osaka and we’ve got an event that will bring fans to Queensland to celebrate the start of the summer tennis schedule.”
Seven times Grand Slam winner Williams will make her Brisbane debut when the tournament starts on January 6.
The 2017 Brisbane International champion, Elina Svitolina and 2011 US Open Champion Stosur are also included.
Barty was the first to guarantee her place in the draw, alongside defending champion and world number two Karolina Pliskova plus Australian Open champion and would number three Osaka.
Grand slam champions would number six Petra Kvitova and would number 17 Angelique Kerber are also highlighted as drawcards.
Ms Jones said the Palaszczuk Government had more than doubled the value of Queensland’s major events calendar over the last five years.
“We back events because they support local jobs and bring tourists to Queensland,” she said.
“This event will pump millions of dollars into our economy.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Mark Handley said tennis fans would be spoilt for choice when they visited the tournament in January.
“To be able to add Venus, Elina, Sam and Ajla to an already blockbuster field says a lot about the Brisbane International and the city as a destination to visit.
“Players arrive here at the start of the season fresh from a well-earned rest and we are looking forward to showcasing the best of women’s tennis with the best match-ups at the Queensland Tennis Centre,” Handley said.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Mark Handley said tennis fans will be spoilt for choice when they visit the tournament in January.
“To be able to add Venus, Sam, Elina and Ajla to an already blockbuster field says a lot about the Brisbane International and the city as a destination to visit.
“Players arrive here at the start of the season fresh from a well earned rest and we are looking forward to showcasing the best of women’s tennis with the best match-ups at the Queensland Tennis Centre,” Handley said.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the all-star line-up would see residents and visitors descend on the Brisbane International.
“Brisbane’s serving up another blockbuster tournament next year, with some of the world’s leading tennis stars hitting our tarmac for the 2020 Brisbane International.
“All the players will receive a typical warm Brisbane welcome and we can’t wait to see this event in full swing.
“Brisbane is proud to host the Brisbane International for another year and showcase our city’s appeal as a leading events destination.
“Major events inject more than $150 million into our local economy annually, while delivering important flow-on benefits to our tourism, hospitality, retail and service sectors.”
The WTA Premier Brisbane International will take place alongside the men’s ATP Cup Brisbane group stage.
