Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish have confirmed they will join the already strong men’s line-up at the Brisbane International.
The pair joins defending champion and World No.10 Andy Roddick, No.5 Robin Soderling and No.18 Marcos Baghdatis at one of the strongest Brisbane International men’s fields in its short history.
Gasquet, the world No.28, is returning for his third attempt at a Brisbane International title after making the semifinals in 2009 and the quarterfinals in 2010.
“Richard has always recorded strong performances at the Brisbane International” Tournament Director Steve Ayles said.
“In the past two years he has defeated the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Jarkko Nieminen and Taylor Dent.
“His powerful and precise single-handed backhand, his flair and shot-making ability and his speed around the court has aided the all-court player.
“Gasquet is a quiet achiever and will be one to watch in 2011. I have no doubt he will go far in the tournament and will shake things up in the latter half of the draw,” Ayles said.
Gasquet recorded his highest singles ranking in July 2007 when he reached No.7 on the ATP World Tour. This was the same year the Frenchman made the semifinals of Wimbledon and qualified for the Tennis Masters Cup.
The 24-year-old started playing tennis at age four under the guidance of his father, Francis, who ran a tennis club, the TC Sérignan, along with his mother Maryse who was a tennis coach.
Gasquet appeared on the cover of French Tennis Magazine at age nine, in February 1996 and was discovered by former ATP pro Pierre Barthes who ran the nearby Cap d’ Agde tennis camp.
Mardy Fish joins the ever growing 2011 Brisbane International line-up announced today.
The World No.18 has had an impressive 2010 season with wins at Newport and Atlanta, finals appearances in Cincinnati and London and semifinals appearances in Delray Beach and Sydney.
Fellow returnee Mardy Fish said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I love playing in Australia and can’t wait to play in my second Brisbane International,” Fish said.
“The climate and conditions are similar to my home town of Tampa, Florida, and the tournament will allow me to acclimatise to the Australian summer prior to the Australian Open.
“The event is the perfect way to prepare for this major Grand Slam and with the likes of Andy Roddick, Robin Soderling and Marcos Baghdatis it will provide some crucial tough match play before I head to Melbourne. ”
“I have had some great form in 2010 and I hope to bring this to Brisbane in January.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said Mardy is a strong addition to the event.
“Mardy has had a great season and has the potential to be top 10 by the end of the year as he has no points to defend due to knee surgery last year,” Ayles said.
“He is on the verge of beating his highest ever ranking of No.17, which he recorded in March 2004 and will be a tough competitor come January.
“With a US Open Champion, French Open finalist, Australian Open finalist, former top 10 players and an Olympic silver medalist we have a really strong men’s field coming to Brisbane in 2011.
“When you consider this is just the start and we hope to have more top players confirmed over the next couple of weeks, the Brisbane International is shaping up to be a fantastic experience for players and spectators alike.”