Queensland secures Australian players for Brisbane International

Two of Australia’s highest-ranked tennis players have confirmed their attendance at Queensland’s marquee tournament for 2018.

Ashleigh Barty and Nick Kyrgios will play in a star-studded line-up at the next Brisbane International and are tipped to be major drawcards in their own right when the world-class tennis tournament returns next year.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said securing two Australian tennis players of such a high calibre was a major coup for Queensland.

“Fans will be treated to a week of world-class tennis and we are delighted to welcome AshleighBarty and Nick Kyrgios to the Brisbane International,” she said.

“Queenslander Ashleigh is currently our second highest ranked Australian player at number 23 and Nick Kyrgios is one of the most recognisable faces in the sport.

“To have secured these top Australian athletes for the Brisbane International reinforces our reputation globally as a sporting events destination.

“This tournament is great for local tourism - it attracts nearly 100,000 spectators from across Australia every year and is worth almost $10 million to the Brisbane economy.”

Ms Jones said Ashleigh and Nick would join world number one Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and defending champions Grigor Dimitrov and Karolina Pliskova.

“With this outstanding line-up starting the season in Brisbane, we know this event will attract sell-out crowds,” she said.

“Tournaments like the Brisbane International help to show the world that Queensland is an outstanding place to host major sporting events.

“It will kick off a great year on the It’s Live! in Queensland calendar which is worth more than $600 million to the Queensland economy.”

Brisbane International Tournament Director Geoff Quinlan said he was excited to lock-in Ashleigh and Nick for 2018.

“Nick and Ash are two of the most talented and exciting players on tour at the moment,” he said.

“Both are no strangers to the Pat Rafter Arena and have each made some really special memories here.

“They are sure to thrill the home crowd.”

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 Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447