Serbian tennis star Ana Ivanovic is scheduled to make her Brisbane International debut during the night session on Monday 5 January.
Because of the enormous level of interest in the glamorous former world No.1, tournament organisers have taken the unprecedented step of announcing the schedule for Ivanovic’s first match.
“While this is not unheard of in some of the big tournaments on the tour, this is a first for an Australian event,” Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles explained.
“We can do it because we know Ana has to play a first-round match some time in the first three days. We think the incredible amount of public interest warrants it.
“The player, the tournament, the referee and tour officials are all in agreement with the announcement, so now the public can buy a ticket to Monday’s night session knowing that Ana is scheduled to play,” Ayles said.
Ivanovic’s opponent won’t be known until the official draw is conducted in a special presentation on the Queens St Mall stage in front of Myer at noon on 3 January.
The world No.5 heads an impressive women’s field for the event that includes Victoria Azarenka, Marion Bartoli, Daniela Hantuchova and former Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo in the women’s draw.
So far the Australian female contingent in the event consists of Samantha Stosur, Jarmila Gajdosova and Jelena Dokic.
The men’s field is headed by Serbian World No.3 Novak Djokovic and fellow Australian Open 2008 finalist, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from France.
There are still good seats available for the Brisbane International through Ticketek, with reserved stadium seating starting at just $24.90.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.
Queensland girls join Brisbane line-up