atp tour brisbane

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Rybakina beats Sabalenka to Brisbane title as Dimitrov ends trophy drought

• No 2 seed wins 6-0, 6-3 to complete dominant tournament
• Grigor Dimitrov beats Holger Rune for first ATP title since 2017

Elena Rybakina trounced the defending Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka , 6-0, 6-3 to storm to the Brisbane International title. The Kazakh world No 4 spent less than five hours on court while recording five impressive victories in the Queensland capital. Grigor Dimitrov claimed his first ATP Tour title since 2017 when he beat Holger Rune in straight sets in the men’s final.

Rybakina put an eye-catching exclamation mark on her dominance in a one-sided final, reversing the result of last year’s tight three-set Melbourne Park decider . She benefited from Anastasia Potapova retiring injured during their quarter-final and was untroubled in the season-opening tournament, clocking only four hours and 52 minutes under the bright lights.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion streaked to a 5-0 lead after 18 minutes against Sabalenka, who had bossed her way to the final. The pair will remain among the favourites in Melbourne from next Sunday but the big-serving Rybakina’s stock has soared as she chases a second major title.

“I’d like to say congrats, Aryna, for a great week and great season last year and hopefully we meet in Melbourne,” she said. “Despite the score, it’s always tough to play against you, we always push each other.”

The Belarusian world No 2, who now leads their head-to-head 5-3, could only laugh amid the onslaught. She celebrated winning a point in the first game of the second set then kissed her hand and saluted the sky when she finally won a game in the second set.

“I don’t know where to start … that was an interesting match, great job, thank you for those three games to at least make it look like a fight,” Sabalenka laughed post-match. “Couple of words to my team: you did a bad job today – 6-0, 6-3, that’s all your fault guys.

“It is how it is. We showed some great tennis and hopefully we’ll do better at the Australian Open. I just wanted you [the crowd] to save your energy for the men’s final.”

Coco Gauff comes from behind to win Auckland Classic title

Coco Gauff defended her Auckland title as she beat Ukraine's Elina Svitolina to win the ASB Classic in three sets.

The 19-year-old American won 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 in just over two and a half hours to make it 10 straight wins at the event. Gauff was put through a difficult, topsy-turvy first set, losing in a tiebreak.

But the teenager turned it around in the second and third sets as she improved her first-serve success from 46% to 73% in the second and above 80% in the third. The win was the 2023 US Open winner's seventh WTA title. PA Media

Dimitrov saw off the Danish top seed, Rune, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in just over two and a quarter hours. It was a ninth career title for the Bulgarian, who last triumphed at the ATP Finals in 2017, a year in which he also won the Brisbane International. Dimitrov, the second seed, said: “It’s been a while since I held one of these, it’s a bit emotional. It’s a great start to the year and we have a lot to build on. Hopefully we can go one step further at the Australian Open.”

At the ASB Classic in Auckland, Coco Gauff, the No 1 seed, successfully defended her title and captured her seventh championship overall with a 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 victory over the No 2 seed, Elina Svitolina on Sunday.

after newsletter promotion

Elsewhere, Germany fought back from the brink of defeat to beat Poland and win the United Cup in Sydney. Alexander Zverev saved two championship points in his second-set tie-break against Hubert Hurkacz before going on to win 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6), 6-4.

In the subsequent doubles decider Zverev and Laura Siegemund triumphed against Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek 6-4, 5-7, 10-4. The four-times grand slam champion Swiatek had earlier beaten Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-0.

Zverev said during the trophy presentation: “It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s been a pleasure and it’s been absolutely so much fun for everybody to be part of this team, especially for me.

“I really thank you guys for being part of this. I really couldn’t be happier be sharing this trophy with anybody than you guys. Congrats to Team Poland, amazing run. It was a matter of millimetres today for you guys to be the champions.”

Meanwhile, the top seed, Andrey Rublev, secured his 15th tour-level title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Emil Ruusuvuori in the Hong Kong Open final.

• Australia sport
• Australian Open 2024
• Aryna Sabalenka

Most viewed

Advertising

Grigor dimitrov captures first title in 2,240 days with brisbane final win over holger rune, elena rybakina blitzes aryna sabalenka to win brisbane; grigor dimitrov wins first title in six years, elena rybakina defeats sabalenka in brisbane to become first wta title winner of the year, aryna sabalenka sets up brisbane final against elena rybakina, in a rematch of the 2023 australian open final, rafael nadal not definite for australian open: "i had a small sensation, not a good one, in a similar place where i had the surgery", rafael nadal comeback halted by jordan thompson in brisbane, aryna sabalenka ups winning streak in australia to 14 ahead of brisbane clash with azarenka, rafael nadal comeback reaches brisbane quarterfinals, aryna sabalenka, elena rybakina also progress, rafael nadal storms into brisbane quarterfinals in first tournament in almost a year, naomi osaka's first tournament as a mom ends in a loss to three-time winner karolina pliskova in brisbane.

• {{ subitem.Label }}
• {{ sublevel.Label }}

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

{{tournament.sponsortitle}}, player results, nadal avoids brisbane draw disaster, but danger still looms.

Rafael Nadal will return to action against a qualifier in the first round of the Brisbane International presented by Evie .

Unseeded following nearly a year off, Nadal avoided one of the top seeds in the first round of the ATP 250 draw . But there are plenty of accomplished players competing in Brisbane qualifying, including former Top 10 stars Dominic Thiem and Diego Schwartzman as well as 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by NEOM competitor Alex Michelsen .

If the lefty advances, he will play eighth seed Aslan Karatsev or Australian wild card Jason Kubler in the second round. Fourth seed Ugo Humbert lurks as a potential quarter-final opponent.

Second seed Grigor Dimitrov and former World No. 1 Andy Murray , who are also in Nadal’s half of the draw, will meet in a first-round blockbuster. Murray leads the pair's Lexus ATP Head2Head 8-4, but Dimitrov won their most recent clash at this year's US Open in straight sets.

Nadal played four matches in January and did not compete for the rest of the season due to a psoas muscle injury. The 37-year-old, who has spent 209 weeks atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in his career, will chase his 93rd tour-level title at the ATP 250.

You May Also Like: Nadal: ‘Just to be Here is a Victory’

It is the second time he will compete in Brisbane. Nadal played the tournament in 2017, when he reached the quarter-finals behind wins against Alexandr Dolgopolov and Mischa Zverev . He lost to then-World No. 3 Milos Raonic .

Brisbane top seed Holger Rune will open his season against aggressive Australian Max Purcell . Third seed Ben Shelton , who took the ATP Tour by storm in 2023, will launch his year against Wimbledon quarter-finalist Roman Safiullin .

Shelton’s countryman Sebastian Korda , the fifth seed, made a strong start to 2023 in Australia by making the Adelaide-1 final, earning a championship point against Novak Djokovic before falling short. The 23-year-old will try to start his new season quickly against German Yannick Hanfmann .

Read More News View All News

View related videos view all videos.

• Most Recent

{{newsitem.title}}

• {{player.ranking}} Rank {{opponent.ranking}}
• {{player.Age ? player.Age : '-'}} Age {{opponent.Age ? opponent.Age : '-'}}
• {{getWeightInLB.player}} Weight {{getWeightInLB.opponent}}
• {{getHeightInFeetInch.player}} Height {{getHeightInFeetInch.opponent}}
• {{getPlayHand.player}} Plays {{getPlayHand.opponent}}
• {{player.ProYear ? player.ProYear : '-'}} Turned Pro {{opponent.ProYear ? opponent.ProYear : '-'}}
• {{item.FirstName}} {{item.LastName}}

{{playerData.PlayerFirstName}} {{playerData.PlayerLastName}}

Download official atp wta live app, premier partner, platinum partners, gold partners, official ball, racquet and tennis accessory, official partners & suppliers.

© Copyright 1994 - 2024 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions  | Privacy  | Modern Slavery Statement  |  Feedback | Cookies

Brisbane International Returns In 2024 | ATP Tour

World-class tennis is back in Queensland for 2024 with the return of the Brisbane International .

The combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 tournament will feature at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 31 December to 7 January.

A record AU$3.1 million in prize money is on offer and 180 of the world’s best players are expected to travel to the Sunshine State to compete.

The men’s singles draw features 32 players, with a 24-pair draw in both men’s and women’s doubles.

The women’s singles draw expands from the 32 of previous editions to 48, providing even more competitive opportunities for the top women in the sport.

Fans will be treated to 14 sessions (day and night) of top-quality tennis at the stunning Queensland Tennis Centre during the first week of January.

Early bird tickets will be available to purchase via Ticketmaster from 12 p.m. AEST on Wednesday 20 September. Adult ticket prices start from AU$25 and a family pass (two adults and two children) starts from AU$58. Kids go free on ground passes for the first two days of the tournament.

“We are delighted to welcome the Brisbane International back, bigger and better than ever in 2024,” Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson said.

“We know how much the players love playing the Brisbane International and starting the season in Queensland.

“Fans can look forward to eight days of high-quality international tennis, an expanded women’s draw, and 180 of the world’s best players competing for a big prize pool. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said “It’s terrific to see the much-anticipated return of the Brisbane International tournament to reignite Australia’s summer of tennis.

“Tennis fans love this blockbuster event, as much as the players love playing at Pat Rafter Arena.

“The event will also serve up a win for good Queensland jobs, with thousands of fans travelling to Brisbane from interstate and contributing AU$10 million to the visitor economy.

“This summer of tennis promises to be a winner for tennis fans and for Queensland.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the return of the Brisbane International is a ‘Grand Slam’ get for the city.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the Brisbane International 2024 to the Queensland Tennis Centre this summer,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane is set to come alive on and off the court as fans flock to watch this blockbuster sporting event featuring the world’s best players.

“With the tournament kicking off Australia’s summer of tennis, the eight days of action will inject millions into Brisbane’s local economy with hospitality, tourism and accommodation providers feeling the love from tennis fans across the nation.”

The Brisbane International was first held in 2009 at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Further announcements about the tournament and players will be made in due course.

• Change privacy settings
• Privacy settings history
• Revoke consents

• Tennis Travel
• Live Scores
• ATP Rankings
• WTA Rankings
• Gear Reviews
• Tennis Warehouse
• Tennis Warehouse Europe
• Premium Court
• Express VPN
• NikeCourt Men’s
• NikeCourt Women’s
• Adidas Men’s
• Adidas Women’s
• Fila Men’s
• Fila Women’s
• Babolat Racquets
• Wilson Racquets
• HEAD Racquets
• Yonex Racquets

Brisbane International ATP Tour 2024 Entry List: Nadal Highlights Star-Studded Field

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 15, 2023 Spain's Rafael Nadal during a practice session REUTERS/Loren Elliott

The tennis world eagerly anticipates the long-awaited return of 22-time Major winner Rafael Nadal, as he has committed to play the Brisbane International in Australia from December 31 – January 7, 2024.

Sidelined for nearly a year, Nadal will be hopeful of receiving the matches that he needs in order to ready for the Australian Open in mid January.

Nadal, who is currently No. 664 in the world, will be joined in Brisbane by:

Holger Rune Grigor Dimitrov Ben Shelton Sebastian Korda Sebastian Baez Tomas Martin Etcheverry Reilly Opelka Aslan Karatsev Roman Safiullin Alexi Popyrin Andy Murray Matteo Arnaldi Max Purcell Yoshihito Nishioka Alexander Shevchenko Yannick Hanfmann J.J. Wolf Jordan Thompson Daniel Altmaier Martin Fucsovics Marcus Giron

Located at the Queensland Tennis Centre, the Brisbane International will set the stage for what will be a truly memorable 2024 tennis season.

Watch all the action live from the ATP Tour in 2024 on Tennis TV .

Get ready for the 2024 Tennis season today, with great tickets to the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Tennis Channel’s Second Network T2 Launches on the Roku Channel

Australian open 2024: men’s and women’s entry list.

Australian Open 2024: Men's and Women's Entry List

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recommended

2024 Mutua Madrid Open: Schedule of Play for Wednesday April 24

Tennis and Wagering – A Match Made in Heaven

How Tennis’ Video-Assisted Review Technology Works

Popular news, projected 2014 top 10 atp world tour rankings, nikecourt 2020 us open collection, inspired by andre agassi, projected 2012 top 10 atp world tour rankings, get in touch, tennis connected.

TennisConnected is where tennis fans from around the world come to view the latest insider news. Hottest tennis fashion trends. Newest product releases and reviews. Engaging Podcasts. Insightful interviews. Enticing articles.

Dont miss out on valuable updates; subscribe to our newsletter today.

Meet P1 Travel, our exclusive partner for Tennis events worldwide

Madrid open 2024: preview and draw analysis, 2024 mutua madrid open: schedule of play for tuesday april 23, 2024 mutua madrid open: schedule of play for monday april 22, 2024 mutua madrid open: men’s and women’s singles draws.

• Fixture Calendar
• Live Tennis Scores
• Goaloo Livescore
• Flash Scores
• Tennis News
• Privacy Policy

© 2024 Tennis Connected - Powered by Rope Digital .

The Straits Times

• International
• Print Edition
• news with benefits
• SPH Rewards
• STClassifieds
• Berita Harian
• Hardwarezone
• Shin Min Daily News
• Tamil Murasu
• The Business Times
• The New Paper
• Lianhe Zaobao
• Advertise with us

Rafael Nadal to make ATP Tour return at Brisbane International

MADRID – Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal will make his comeback at the Brisbane International warmup event for the Australian Open in January, the Spanish tennis great confirmed on Dec 1.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of the 2023 Australian Open when hampered by a hip flexor problem.

He was initially expected to miss just eight weeks of action but underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June, after which he took his time to gradually recover.

“Hello everyone, after a year away from competition, it’s time to come back. It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I’ll see you there,” Nadal, who won the Australian Open in 2009 and 2022, said in a video posted on his social media account.

In November, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley also confirmed that the 37-year-old veteran would be participating in 2024’s first Grand Slam.

Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour.

He dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier in the season and has slipped to No. 663 in the world, but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing in any event for at least six months.

He has previously expressed a desire to play one more French Open and represent Spain at the 2024 Paris Olympics before calling it quits at the end of his 23rd season on tour.

The Brisbane tournament is returning after a three-year hiatus forced initially by the pandemic and will run from Dec 31 to Jan 7. The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from Jan 14-28.

Nadal’s last Australian Open victory came in 2022 when he beat Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win.

Joining Nadal in Brisbane in the ATP 250 tournament are Denmark’s Holger Rune, Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria, American Ben Shelton and Scotland’s three-time Slam champion Andy Murray.

The women’s WTA 500 event is headlined by world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina.

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka has also confirmed her attendance in what would be an eagerly anticipated return to tennis after giving birth to daughter Shai in July. REUTERS, AFP

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

• Men's tennis
• Rafael Nadal

Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

Spin the wheel now

Rafael Nadal Eases Into 225th Tour-Level Quarter-Final At Brisbane International

Rafael Nadal is continuing to gain momentum in his return to professional tennis after booking his place in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Thursday. 

Nadal, who is playing in his first tournament in almost a year, powered his way to a 6-1, 6-2, win over Australian world No.102 Jason Kubler who took two medical timeouts for treatment on his forearm. The former world No.1 didn’t drop his serve throughout the match as he broke his opponent four times. Overall, he hit a total of 20 winners against eight unforced errors. 

“I think I started the match playing very well with a very good determination,”  Nadal said during his on-court interview. “I saw videos of Jason before the match and I saw him play pretty solid from the baseline. So I came on court and tried to be aggressive with my shots from the baseline and it worked very well.” He added. 

Nadal’s victory follows up on his first round win against Dominic Thiem which was also in straight sets. This week is the first time he is playing an ATP-level event since last year’s Australian Open where he lost in the second round. He has been sidelined by a hip injury in recent months which he underwent surgery on last summer. 

“Two victories after a long time of being out of the professional Tour is something that makes me feel good,”  Nadal commented. “I need matches, I need health, I need to keep practising well and of course, the last two matches help. Even the doubles too. “For me, every day that I have a chance to play is great news. I’m happy that I came back after a long time and I feel myself competitively. That is all that I want and let’s see how far I can go.”

During his clash with Kubler, the 22-time Grand Slam winner did received a code violation after taking longer than the designated five-minute toilet break between sets. Something that he later disputed.

“I think that was something strange because I knew I had five minutes. Brisbane is very humid and I had to change every single piece (of clothing).”  He said.  “I came out at the right time but probably the guy who was with me told that umpire that I was four seconds late, I don’t know. I thought I was on time.’ “I’m slow I know but I’m going to keep trying to improve on that in 2024.”

Awaiting Nadal in the last eight will be another Australian in the shape of Jordan Thompson. Thompson received a walkover in his second round match after fourth seed Ugo Humbert withdrew from the tournament due to illness. 

Nadal has become only the third player in history to have scored at least 1070 wins on the ATP Tour after Roger Federer and Jimmy Connors. This week is the 225th time in his career that he has reached at least the quarter-final stage of an ATP event. 

Elsewhere, three-time champion Grigor Dimitrov became the first man to win a 20th match in Brisbane after storming to a 6-1, 6-2, win over Germany’s Daniel Altmaier. The second seed will next play Rinky Hijikata and could play Nadal in the semi-finals if both players reach that stage. 

Frances Tiafoe Looking To Overcome Self-Pressure In 2024

Elina Svitolina Fights Back To Beat Raducanu As Gauff Marches on In Auckland

You may like

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal Shine At Laureus World Sport Awards

Rafael Nadal To Play Laver Cup In Berlin

Casper Ruud Ends Tsitsipas’ Winning Run To Claim Biggest Title Of Career In Barcelona

Martina Navratilova Stands By Criticism Of WTA’s Move To Saudi Arabia

Elena Rybakina Powers Past Kostyuk To Win Stuttgart

Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Masters 1000 Event In Madrid

Novak Djokovic has been named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time in his career. 

The world No.1 has won received his latest honour in recoinition for his 2023 season which saw the Serbian win three out of the four Grand Slam tournaments with the only exception being Wimbledon where he finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic also won the ATP Finals in Turin for a seventh time, as well as two Masters 1000 tournaments. 

“I am truly blessed to be among sports greats as a winner, but also as a supporter and admirer of Laureus Sport for Good as I too believe in the power of sport to make a difference in the world.” Said Djokovic. “Finally, this Laureus Statuette stands alone because it represents more than sporting achievement. The Laureus mission of using sport as a power for good has been changing lives for 25 years and embodies the values of its founding patron, Nelson Mandela. I want to add my support to Laureus Sport for Good and the work they are doing to transform lives around the world.”

It is the first time the 36-year-old has won the award since 2019. He also received the accolade in 2012, 2015 and 2016. Djokovic has become only the second person to win the award on five separate occasions after Roger Federer who won it four years running between 2005-2008 and then again in 2018. 

Rafael Nadal was another winner at the awards with his federation claiming the Laureus Sport for Good award. It is presented to those who have illustrated a “ tremendous contribution to sport or society through sport. ” The Fundacion Rafa Nadal was recognised for helping more than 1,000 vulnerable young people in Spain and India.

“It’s a very familiar project, a personal one that we started 13, 14 years ago,”  Nadal said during an interview at the event in Madrid on Monday. “It is a thing that we are super proud of. It is a way to give back. We have been lucky to be able to work on our hobby and be successful. I think it is a moment to give a positive example to society that we need to help the people who need help.”

The Laureus Sport Awards was first held in 2000. Each year athletes get shortlisted for specific categories based on votes from more than 1000 sports media across the world. The winners are then selected by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy which is a group of former sporting greats.  Boris Becker, li Na, Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles are all members of the academy. 

Casper Ruud has avenged his defeat to Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Monte Carlo Masters last week by beating the him in straight sets to win the Barcelona Open. 

The world No.6 rallied to a 7-5, 6-2, win over Tsitsipas who was on a 10-match winning streak coming into Sunday’s final. It is the first time Ruud has won an ATP 500 event with all 10 of his previous triumphs occuring at 250 level. In contrast, Tsitsipas is still yet to win an ATP 500 trophy after losing all 11 finals he has played at this level. However, the Greek has won more prestigious titles (three Masters and the 2019 ATP finals) than his rival. 

Ruud’s latest triumph saw him oust Tsitsipas with the use of some heavy hitting after overcoming a testing opening set. Overall, the Norweigan hit 19 winners against 15 unforced errors to become the first Scandinavian champion in Barcelona since Sweden’s Kent Carlsson in 1988. 

“Just to give it to him a little bit more than last week. In the final in Monte Carlo, I was always on the back foot and he had too much time to control the game,”  Ruud told TennisTV when asked about his game plan against Tsitsipas.  “I had a bit of a tricky start (in today’s final) but I managed to settle in. It’s been two long weeks for both of us. It’s obvious that fatigue was going to kick in and winning the first set was huge.” 

In what was their fifth Tour-level meeting, a nervous Ruud was tentative early on as he dropped serve in the first game of the final. Despite the blip, he worked his way back to draw level midway through the opener before seizing his opportunity. Nudging ahead to a 6-5 lead, a blistering backhand winner down the line followed by a forehand winner in the next point rewarded Ruud with two sets points against the Tsitsipas serve. He converted his first opportunity with the help of a slice slot that forced an unforced error from his rival. 

Closing in on the biggest win of his career, Ruud clinched his next break four games into the second set following an error-stricken performance from Tsitsipas. He then had an opportunity to get a double break but failed to convert on his chances. Nevertheless, Ruud still managed to seal victory convincingly. A Tsitsipas forehand shank rewarded him a trio of championship points. He triumphed on his first after another mistake from his opponent. 

“A lot of finals I have lost has been tough and a bit of a disappointment. But anytime you reach a final is nonetheless a good week so you can’t be too hard on yourself,”  the new champion reflected.  “This one has been a long time coming.”

The fact Ruud has claimed his biggest title yet in Barcelona is even sweeter given his history with the tournament. 

“The Rafael Nadal court is special to me. I looked up to him all my childhood and came here (to Barcelona) as a 13-year-old boy to watch him and others play. It’s a great f eeling.” He said. 

Ruud has now won 29 matches this season which is more than any other player on the ATP Tour. Furthermore, he has become the fourth player in 2024 to have won an ATP trophy without dropping a set in the entire tournament. 

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova says it is ‘egotistical’ to believe that hosting the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia will affect the country’s policies.

The multiple Grand Slam winner has spoken publically about concerns over hosting tennis events in the country due to its human rights records, especially concerning women and those from the LGBT community. Saudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing which is the process of hosting sports events to improve the image of a country whose reputation has been tarnished by wrongdoing. Earlier this year, Navratilova and fellow tennis icon Chris Evert co-wrote an editorial for the Washington Post opposing a move to the country. 

However, the WTA has formed an agreement with the Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) to host their season-ending event there from this year until at least 2026. A record $15.25m (£12m) in prize money will be available which will make the event the biggest annual women’s sporting event held in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to reporters at a Laureus event in Madrid on Sunday, Navratilova says she has no plans to work in Saudi Arabia as a pundit for the upcoming event. Even though she has previously been invited to the country by STF chief Arij Almutabagani who is among those arguing that her country is making positive changes to their rules and regulations.

“We’re going to Saudi Arabia which is about as big a change as you can make, except for maybe going to North Korea,”  Navratilova told reporters. “Chris Evert and I have made our views clear on that, but the players have made their choices. We’ll see how things work out. “I heard players say they ‘don’t want to be political’. Going to Saudi is about as political as you can get. “Welcome to sport. Sports is political and has been at the forefront of social change. I don’t see how anything happens there without the blessing of MBS (Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi ruler). “He decides what goes and what doesn’t. We’re a bit egotistical to think we can make a difference, but who knows? “The players have to honour that, they’re the ones competing. We’re not affected by it. We’re not going there to play.”

Praise for tennis’ young guns

Navratilova has also shared her views about two players who have impressed on the men’s Tour in recent months. The former world No.1 paid tribute to Carlos Alcaraz by describing him as the best player who can use improvisation in the men’s game. 

“I have to say that Carlos is so complete…. Djokovic is incredible but Alcaraz takes tennis to a different level because he improvises better than anyone else”.  She commented.  “Wimbledon has given us matches for history but I think last year’s final between Alcaraz and Djokovic was the most exciting I have ever seen.”

As for Jannik Sinner, she paid tribute to his work ethic. The Italian has already claimed a trio of titles in 2024 and only two players have beaten him so far. One of those was Alcaraz in Indian Wells and the other was Stefanos Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo. 

“Jannik is unbelievable. He is the proof of how work allows you to improve and play at the highest level. I’m looking forward to the next ten years and the duels between Alcaraz, Sinner and some other player who can join.”  Navratilova said of Sinner.

Navratilova is an ambassador of the Laureus Awards which will take place on Monday evening. 

Dominic Thiem Addresses Injury Concern After Claiming First Win Of 2024 In Estoril

Jannik Sinner Wins Maiden Miami Open Title To Secure New Career-High Ranking

Comparing Jannik Sinner To Tennis’ All-Time Greats Is Unfair, Says Coach Cahill

Steve Flink: Jannik Sinner Will Be World Number One By The End Of The Season

Injured Andy Murray To Miss Two Clay Events With Return Date Uncertain

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Danielle Collins Triumphs In Miami As Elena Rybakina Pays The Price For Three Set Marathons

VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Who Is The Better Player Between Jannik Sinner And Carlos Alcaraz?

(VIDEO) Miami Open Women’s Draw Preview: Is Iga Swiatek Unbeatable?

(VIDEO) Miami Open Men’s Draw Preview: Can Jannik Sinner Bounce Back?

(VIDEO) Carlos Alcaraz Reigns Supreme At Indian Wells, Continues Rivalry With Jannik Sinner

About WTA's Privacy and Cookie Policies

We use cookies to provide our services and for analytics and marketing. To find out more about our use of cookies and how you can disable them, please see our Privacy Policy. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Click here to find out more info.

Brisbane International presented by Evie

Latest matches, who's playing..., latest news for this event.

Rybakina races past Sabalenka to win Brisbane International

Sunday preview: Swiatek, top four players looking for titles

Sabalenka bests Azarenka; to renew rivalry with Rybakina in Brisbane final

Preview: Sabalenka looks for 15th straight win Down Under; Gauff in action

Sabalenka bests Kasatkina in Brisbane, wins 14th straight Australian match

Latest video for this event.

Champions Reel: How Elena Rybakina won Brisbane 2024

Rybakina eases past sabalenka to win brisbane international title, sabalenka holds off azarenka to advance to brisbane final.

Rybakina eases into Brisbane final after defeating Noskova in straight sets

Sabalenka defeats kasatkina in straight sets to reach brisbane semis.

Noskova defeats Mirra Andreeva in all-teenage Brisbane quarterfinal

Sign up to the wta newsletter.

Get official communications from the WTA and ATP, delivered straight to your e-mail! We’ll keep you informed on all you need to know across the Tours, including news, players, tournaments, features, competitions, offers and more.

Will be used in accordance with the WTA Privacy Policy and the ATP Privacy Policy .

Title Partner

Global partners, follow wta on social.

Five big names Rafael Nadal could face in his comeback tournament in Brisbane

Rafael Nadal is making a long-awaited comeback to the game in Brisbane and he could be paired with some high-profile opponents in his opening match. 

Nadal has been handed a wild card in the ATP 250 tournament, as he prepares to play his first competitive match since last year’s Australian Open.

“There are many chances that it will be my last year in tennis, without any doubt,” said Nadal of his comeback.

“There are chances that it may only be half a year. There are possibilities that it may be a full year. There are possibilities that we may not be able to reach all that. These are things that right now I do not have the capacity to be able to answer.

“I am only in conditions to say that I return to compete. There are many possibilities that it is my last year and I am going to enjoy the tournaments in that way.

“I still believe what I said in the last press conference, that I do not deserve to end my sports career in a press room. I would like to finish in a different way, and I have fought and kept the illusion for that to happen, with doubts, with bad moments, very bad or better moments.”

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been preparing for his return with increasingly intense training sessions at his Academy in Mallorca and here are some of the names he could face in his first match back on the ATP Tour.

Holger Rune

World ranking: no 8.

Nadal has yet to face Rune in a competitive match and he will be keen to avoid the top seen in Brisbane in his opening couple of rounds.

Rune had a challenging second half to the 2023 season, but he is aiming for the stars in the New Year with tennis legend Boris Becker and Roger Federer’s former coach Severin Luthi now part of his coaching team.

Grigor Dimitrov

World ranking: 14.

Nadal has an impressive 14-1 winning record against this Bulgarian star, but that may not count for too much if they meet early in Nadal’s comeback attempt.

Dimitrov pieced together a fine 2023 season and will head into the new campaign with big hopes of breaking into the top ten and making progress at the Australian Open.

Ben Shelton 

World ranking: 17.

Shelton will be one of the players to watch in 2024 after his big-serving breakthrough over the last 12 months.

His extended run at the Australian Open set the ball rolling on his youthful career and Nadal would be greeted by a barrage of serving if he meets Shelton in Brisbane.

Sebastian Korda

World ranking: 24.

This American is a real threat to anyone in the game when he is at his best, but injuries undermined his ambitions in 2023.

With a big serve and a fine all-court game, Nadal will be tested if he plays against Korda, even though he has a 2-0 winning record in previous meetings against his young rival.

Andy Murray

World ranking: 42.

Nadal and Murray have had an intense rivalry over the course of their careers, with the Spaniard holidng 17-7 winning record against the Brit.

Three-time Grand Slam king Murray has plenty of questions to answer after his limp end to the 2023 season and a high-profile meeting with Nadal would be a box office event in Brisbane. Murray was a champion in this tournament in 2012 and 2013.

Rafael Nadal vs Jordan Thompson - Short Highlights

Subscribe to Tennis TV today to enjoy a full replay of this match, plus up to 2,500 matches live and on demand in 2024 from the ATP Tour!

Tennis TV App

Download the app and watch on the go