A reunion between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios headlines the word-class line-up to descend on the Queensland Tennis Centre for this month’s Brisbane International.
Djokovic will kick off his 2025 campaign in Brisbane for the first time since 2009 —finalising his preparations for January’s Australian Open on Pat Rafter Arena.
The 24-time grand slam champion, who played in the tournament’s inaugural year, is seeking his 100th ATP title at the event.
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Aussie firebrand Kyrgios will make his return to the court having only managed one match in the last two years because of repeat injuries.
Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios pose for a photo following their Arena Showdown charity match ahead of the 2023 Australian Open. Getty
The pair will be joined by defending champion and world No.10 Grigor Dimitrov, world No.13 Holger Rune and world No.18 Frances Tiafoe.
Leading Aussies Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson will also be in action.
Australian tennis great Pat Rafter praised Djokovic’s decision to start his season at the Brisbane International rather than chase big money at other tournaments.
“This is not just preparation for the Australian Open — this is a fair dinkum tournament,” he said.
“You want to be making sure you’re playing your best tennis here. To be here and preparing is what you should be doing.
“A lot of guys go and chase some money, go to the Middle East or something like that, to play but for me, that’s not the best lead-in for the Australian Open.
“It’s about winning, preparing, playing the best matches, and as many matches as you can. That’s all part of your journey to the Aussie Open.”
Ahustralian Jordan ThompsonAustralian Jordan Thompson will return to Brisbane International for the 2024-25 edition. Getty
The women’s event is equally as impressive with four top-10 players including world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, world No.7 Jessica Pegula, world No.8 Emma Navarro and world No.9 Daria Kasatkina.
Former champion and world No.20 Victoria Azarenka will also feature, rounding out 11 top-20 players on the women’s side.
Tournament director Cam Pearson believes this year’s field is one of the strongest the event has ever seen.
“This is by far the strongest field the tournament has seen with 15 of the top 20 men and women players confirmed,” he said in a statement.
Aryna Sabalenka in action during last year’s Brisbane International. Getty
“Add to this multiple highly ranked Australians to inspire the next generation of tennis fans and the event will be huge.
“We thought that it would be hard to top last year’s line-up but here we are with an even stronger field.
“I cannot wait for the tournament to get underway and for all the fans to experience the world’s best right here in Brisbane.”
The Brisbane International starts on Sunday, December 29.
Following his run at the tournament, Djokovic has also been included in the list of global stars who will take to Rod Laver Arena during AO opening week for four special charity matches.