Newly crowned US Open champion Serena Williams and 2012 French Open champion Maria Sharapovatoday confirmed they have signed on for the Brisbane International 2013.
Williams is looking forward to her second appearance at the Brisbane International. “I love the tournament, it’s great,” said Williams, whose US Open triumph this week capped off a golden tennis year that included Olympic gold in both singles and doubles as well as the Wimbledon title.
“[The Brisbane International] it helps me prepare. I get a great tournament … tough field,” said Williams.
“I had so much fun this year but unfortunately it ended fast for me with a disaster of an injury, I want to do well there [in Brisbane] … the city was great, I did a lot of shopping and I stayed in a great hotel,” the current world No.4 continued.
> Watch brisbaneinternational.com.au’s interview with Serena
The 30-year-old American reached the quarterfinals of the 2012 event but withdrew prior to the match with a left ankle sprain.
Throughout her career Williams has captured an impressive 45 WTA singles titles and on 4 August 2012 she became only the second woman after Steffi Graf to complete a career Golden Grand Slam, winning all four Grand Slams plus an Olympic gold medal.
World No.2 Sharapova is set to make her first appearance at the Brisbane International in January and, like Williams, is excited to be starting her year in Brisbane.
“I am so looking forward to coming to Brisbane for the Brisbane International. It will be my first time attending so I can’t wait to see all my fans there,” Sharapova said.
“Going into Australia after a long off season you always want to have the best possible matches. I tried to put Brisbane on the map last year but unfortunately couldn’t make it out of injury … I have heard so many great things about it. It is such a big event for all the players,” Sharapova added.
> Watch brisbaneinternational.com.au’s interview with Maria
Coached by father Yuri Sharapov and Thomas Hogstedt, Sharapova has enjoyed a stellar 2012, reaching the final of the Australian Open, being crowned the French Open champion, winning an Olympic silver medal and having the honour of bearing the flag for the Russian Olympic team.
Sharapova has won 27 WTA singles titles and in 2011 was named Forbes’ highest-paid female athlete.
Brisbane International Tournament Director, Cameron Pearson, said the announcement of Williams and Sharapova is great news for fans.
“These global superstars are an exciting addition to our player field, which of course already includes Andy Murray – the newly crowned US Open men’s singles champion, and we look forward welcoming them to Queensland and providing fans with some great tennis action.
“Having Serena and Maria, the world’s top female players, choosing to start their year in Queensland, is testament to the quality of the Brisbane International and the competition on offer,” Pearson added.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, welcomed the female tennis champions to Brisbane.
“Queensland tennis fans will be thrilled to welcome Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova to Brisbane for the 2013 tournament,” said Ms Stuckey.
“The Brisbane International is a great event on our calendar, last year attracting a record 92,802 attendees, giving Queensland world-wide exposure.
“Events like this are a major contributor to the state’s economy, playing an important role in the Newman Government’s goal to establish Queensland as Australia’s number one tourist destination.”
In 2012 the ATP recognised the Brisbane International for the best fan experience of any tournament in the ATP International Group, which includes the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions.
Brisbane International 2013 presented by Suncorp is made possible by the support of Events Queensland and will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane, from 30 December 2012 to 6 January 2013.
Brisbane International 2013 series packages will go on sale at 9:00 am (AEST), Wednesday 3 October 2012 and from 9:00 am (AEST), Wednesday 10 October 2012 single tickets plus series packages are available.
Ground passes for the event are $16.90.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational or call 1300 888 104. For further tournament information please visit www.brisbaneinternational.com.au