Headlining the star-studded line-up at the Brisbane International in 2011 is world No.5 and two-time French Open finalist Robin Soderling.
Announced today at the official Brisbane International launch, Soderling is the fourth top 20 player to be named in the tournaments men’s draw with more player announcements still to come.
The Swedish tennis player will return to Brisbane for his second Brisbane International having played previously in 2009 losing in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Radek Stepanek.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said Soderling is a huge coup for the event.
“Robin is brutal on the tennis court,” Ayles said.
“He has a competitive drive and powerful game and hits accurate, hard ground strokes.
“Add to this a heavy and precise serve, capable of generating a speed of over 225 km/h and a forehand that is regarded as one of the most lethal in today’s game and you have a player that can overpower most opponents.
“Robin, in recent years, has added a mental toughness to his game which not only makes him a huge asset to the Brisbane International line-up but a real contender for the 2011 title.
“Talking to Robin and his team I know they had a great time in 2009 and are looking forward to returning in 2011.
“He made the quarterfinals then so who knows what the Swede can achieve now.
“Tennis fans across Queensland should not miss the opportunity to see one of the world’s best tennis players in action when Robin comes to town in January.”
Soderling has had an amazing run in the past twelve months with a win in Rotterdam, three additional final appearances, two semifinals and six quarterfinals appearances.
He ended Rafael Nadal’s Paris campaign last year at the French Open and Roger Federer’s this year and has been the French Open runner-up for the past two years.
The Swede has won five ATP tiles, in Rotterdam, Bastad, Lyon (twice) and Milan, has been a finalist on another 10 occasions and has a current 2010 win-loss record of 47-18.