Two of the biggest names in women’s tennis have confirmed they will join the world class line up for Brisbane International 2020, with world No.6 Petra Kvitova (CZE) and world No.17 Angelique Kerber (GER) announced.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova is eying off a second Brisbane International title, after securing her first back in 2011.
The 29-year-old is one to watch this summer after reaching the final of the Australian Open in January and finishing her seventh season in the Top 10.
The women’s field in Brisbane is shaping up to be one of the strongest in history with world No.1 and home town favourite Ash Barty and Naomi Osaka (JPN) already confirmed.
“I’ve always enjoyed starting my season in Brisbane, and it’s great to see so many other players do as well. It’s going to be an incredibly strong tournament this year,” Kvitova said.
“The conditions in Queensland are ideal when preparing for the Australian Open, and I look forward to giving myself the best chance of success in 2020 by coming to Brisbane.”
Also set for the Sunshine State is three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber (GER), who returns to the Brisbane International for a sixth time.
Currently 17 in the world rankings, Kerber has been as high as No.1, a milestone she reached in 2016, the same year she won the Australian Open.
“For me, Brisbane is one of the best ways to start the season. You have to play tournaments that will prepare you for the big moments, like the Australian Open, and with a line up this strong I know Brisbane is the right place to be in January,” Kerber said.
“I’ve made the final in Brisbane before, and the atmosphere in Pat Rafter Arena is amazing. I’m very excited to be back.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Mark Handley said Kerber and Kvitova add an exciting layer of experience and depth to an already impressive field.
“We’re thrilled that Petra and Angie have again chosen Brisbane as their season opener in 2020. With the world’s top three women already secured, fans will experience the best match-ups this sport has to offer at the Queensland Tennis Centre,” Handley said.
“Both these women add to an incredible line-up we have coming to Brisbane between the ATP Cup and Brisbane International in January. We’re the only state where fans can watch men and women launch the summer of tennis, attracting the two current world No.1 players through to the next generation of superstars.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the addition of more world-class talent to the Brisbane International line-up would deliver a blockbuster start to the tennis season in Brisbane.
“I look forward to welcoming Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber back to the Brisbane International,” Cr Schrinner said.
“By hosting major events, including the Brisbane International and ATP Cup, we are creating more to see and do for residents and visitors, while generating a boost for our local tourism, hospitality and service industries.”
The WTA Premier Brisbane International will take place alongside the men’s ATP Cup Brisbane group stage.