The announcement of new milestones set for Brisbane International 2017 are sure to be a hit with fans this summer.
The quality field is the first indication of how far the tournament has come, and what local fans can expect for the future or this event – for the first time 5 of the top 10 men and women are set to play Brisbane.
“It’s a fantastic field, and one that speaks volumes to the level of respect players have for the status of the event and the fans who come to enjoy it,” says Tournament Director Geoff Quinlan.
New faces to watch in Brisbane this summer include electric Spanish player Rafael Nadal, and 2016 US Open Champion Stan Wawrinka. Both real chances of taking out the event.
On the women’s side, Angelique Kerber, the new World Number One, is seeking to take out her first Brisbane title. But the draw is full of other formidable contenders – with World No.5 Dominika Cibulkova returning, as well as 2016 US Open finalist Karolina Pliskova, and French Open winner Garbine Muguruza.
But it’s not just the players that are raising the bar for 2017. The fan experience beyond Pat Rafter Arena is also in for a shake-up, with major changes occurring to Show Court One, transforming the court into a temporary second stadium where world-class action will be on offer to all ticket holders including everyone on a ground pass. Extra and improved seating will enhance the viewing experience, with Hawk-Eye another valuable addition to the outside court.
“Fans are going to love the changes to Show Court One – the new seating will allow more people to soak up the action, with Hawk-Eye adding to the quality of the playing experience,” said Quinlan.
Another exciting move for the tournament is the redesigned wheelies event, which will be played in an exhibition format so the action can stay exclusively at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Dual Olympic Gold Medallist and 2016 Newcombe Medal winner Dylan Alcott will headline this new feature.
Off-court, the tournament is catering for a bigger, experience-driven crowd this summer with the entertainment line-up in the re-branded and re-sized “Racquet Club” (formerly Tennis Central) set to give fans a reason to explore every inch of the Queensland Tennis Centre. A new initiative coming in 2017, ‘Free after Five’, will see the balmy Brisbane nightlife set in right here at the Racquet Club with the area opening to the public for free after 5pm each night from Monday through to the final. Enjoy all the food stalls, live music, bars and sponsor activations at the Racquet Club whilst still catching the action live from Pat Rafter Arena streamed to you through the outdoor cinema screen.
Tournament Director Geoff Quinlan believes it’s exciting times for the tournament, which is experiencing a change of guard both on and off the court.
“It’s fantastic to see so many positive changes afoot in 2017. We know the top-players love coming here, and we can’t wait for fans to enjoy the tennis action on and off the court – there’s something for everyone this summer.”