By Jack Massey
Novak Djokovic, the World No.3, will compete in Australia’s newest tournament, the Brisbane International.
The 2008 Australian Open champion will be using the tournament, which starts on January 4, as an important lead-in to his title defence.
“It’s the perfect way to begin my Australian campaign. I have heard great things about Brisbane but have never had the opportunity to visit,” Djokovic said.
“It is going to be great to renew my acquaintance with the very supporting Australian tennis fans.”
Djokovic will be joined in Brisbane by his defeated opponent in the Open final, Frenchman Jo Wilfried Tsonga, who is also looking forward to the event.
“Naturally I have fond memories of the blue Australian courts and they tell me the Brisbane surface is exactly the same as the Open," Tsonga said.
“I look forward to getting down there and trying to win the first event of the year.”
This is great news for the tournament, which has already secured Djokovic’s Serbian compatriot, female World No.1 Ana Ivanovic.
Tournament Director Steve Ayles is excited about the prospect of two of the tour’s most marketable players performing at the inaugural Brisbane International.
“We really wanted these two. They ignite crowds all over the world. As well as being supremely gifted, they play the game with athleticism, flair and personality,” he said.