Fed Express touches down in Brisbane to defend title

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones has welcomed the world’s greatest tennis player back to Queensland where he will defend his Brisbane International title.

Swiss great Roger Federer landed in Queensland today, spending some time at South Bank where he met Minister Jones at the iconic Brisbane sign before his tournament starts.

“It’s great to have Roger, one of the world’s best athletes, back in Brisbane for his third Brisbane International,” said Minister Jones.

“His 1,000^th career victory here last year was a very special moment for the tournament and a credit to the Brisbane International that he joins us again.

“Roger joins eight of the world’s top-20 men for this year’s tournament, setting the stage for a blockbuster week of on-court action.

“Tennis fans from around the country will head to the Queensland Tennis Centre from tomorrow to experience the Brisbane International and see Roger defend his title.

“The Brisbane International is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland, attracting around 100,000 attendees each year.

“Events such as this contribute to Brisbane’s tourism industry, which generates $6.3 billion for the local economy and supports almost 65,000 jobs.”

Minister Jones said a number of huge tennis names were now in town for the start of the tournament, with a record number of Queenslanders in the main draw.

“At least six Queenslanders will also contest the men’s and women’s draws this year, the most to have played the Brisbane International at one time,” Minister Jones said.

“Young wildcard Ben Mitchell will make Queensland proud next week and there’s Bernard Tomic, John-Patrick Smith, Sam Stosur, Ajla Tomljanovic and Priscilla Hon.

“We also welcome three of the top-five women’s players in Simona Halep, Garbiñe Muguruza and defending Women’s Champion Maria Sharapova,” Minister Jones said.

The Brisbane International 2016 runs from 3-10 January 2016 at the Queensland Tennis Centre. For details visit http://www.brisbaneinternational.com.au/

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 0417 405 879