According to Monday's announcement from the organizers, Aryna Sabalenka will use the Brisbane International to prepare for her upcoming Australian Open title defense. The tournament, scheduled for December 31 through January 7, will also feature Elena Rybakina, who lost to Sabalenka in the final earlier this year. Also returning to the court after a period of absence is the four-time Major champion Naomi Osaka.
Aryna Sabalenka will begin her preparations for defending her Australian Open title at the Brisbane International, organizers said on Monday. Elena Rybakina, who was defeated by Belarusian Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne earlier this year, will also compete in the December 31 to January 7 Brisbane event. Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has already been named in the players list as she returns to the field after a break.
In a statement shared by the tournament organizers, Sabalenka mentioned her eagerness to start the 2024 season in Brisbane. The World No. 2 emphasized her emotional connection to Australia, as the country was the site of her first Grand Slam victory.
Tournament director Cam Pearson voiced his enthusiasm about hosting both Aryna Sabalenka and the world number four, Elena Rybakina. Speaking at a press conference, Pearson recalled the thrilling Australian Open final between the two athletes, noting that the match laid the groundwork for a fascinating rivalry.
The men's draw includes the rapidly improving Ben Shelton from the US, currently World No. 17, and the legendary three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. Pearson added that Nick Kyrgios is welcome to join if his recovery progresses well, stating that while the fan favorite and former champion is desired, his health must come first. Kyrgios has faced a tough road back, having undergone knee surgery in January and later withdrawing from Wimbledon due to a wrist ligament injury.
On Sunday, legendary former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal confirmed his return to action at the Brisbane International. The 22-time Major winner has been sidelined since the second round of this year's Australian Open, where a hip flexor injury forced him out of the tournament.
Taking to social media, Nadal announced that after a year on the sidelines, he is finally ready to return to competition in Brisbane during the first week of January. Looking ahead, the Spaniard shared his goals of playing another French Open and representing Spain at the upcoming Paris Olympics before eventually retiring from the sport.