Sport
What better way to bring in the New Year than the Brisbane International?
With a star-studded line-up featuring 9 grand slam champions across the men’s and the women’s draws, this is expected to be one of the most exciting Brisbane Internationals in recent memory.
Bringing in the new year the right way, the Brisbane International will start on New Years Eve and run till January the 7th.
Due to being a WTA 500 event the women’s draw has attracted plenty of talent with 16 of the top 30 highest ranked players playing. The men’s side a has a mix of young and old with legends Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal looking to knock off inform up and comers Holger Rune and Ben Shelton. Ben Shelton had a meteoric rise in 2023, rising up to 17th in world. He will be hoping to build on that in 2024 and break into the top 10. Local fans will be able to support Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in the men’s singles competition, with Gold Coast star Kimberly Birrell receiving a wildcard into the women’s singles main draw.
There are plenty of questions going into the tournament that will be answered, can Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka return to their grand slam winning best? Can Aryna Sabalenka back up her 2023 season and get her AO campaign off to the right start?
The return of Rafael Nadal to Australia
After 12 months out, Rafael Nadal will finally return. Since his second-round exit at last years Australian Open, Nadal has had surgery on his troubled hip and in coming back, indicated that the 2024 season may be his last. There has been plenty of intrigue as to whether he can return to his grand slam winning best and whether that form can lead into an Australian Open charge. If indeed this is his last time playing in Australia, hopefully he can play like the Nadal of many years gone by and go deep into the tournament. An ideal scenario at the Brisbane International would be another match up against longtime rival Andy Murray.
Can Aryna Sabalenka replicate her 2023 form?
2023 was a breakthrough year for Sabalenka. The 25-year-old won here maiden grand slam at last year’s Australian Open and briefly reached the top of the Women’s rankings for the first time. With a large haul of points on the line at the Australian Open, Sabalenka will be wanting to hit form in the lead in. With such a strong field, there’s no better preparation than going deep at the Brisbane International.
Naomi Osaka returns after a 12-month layoff
A year after withdrawing late from the Australian Open due to pregnancy, Naomi Osaka will return to the tour. The 4-time grand slam winner and former world number 1 will look to return to the top after an indifferent 2022 that saw her drop to 42nd in the world. Still only 26, Osaka has plenty of time left to dominate the sport and going deep into the Brisbane International will be a great way to start her 2024 campaign.
Ways to watch
There are a few ways you can enjoy the Brisbane International. Ground pass tickets are available for $25 with kids being able to go free. If you were hoping for some centre court action, tickets are available from $29. For those wanting a bit more, there are various premium experiences. The most popular being the Champions Club, it offers the best view of Pat Rafter Arena with an appetising grazing menu and drinks package. Including both premium arena and stylish suite seating throughout the session.
Secure your tickets to the Brisbane International now. It promises to be an action-packed week full of quality tennis.
