Popular Australian event to return to both tours in 2024

The ATP and WTA Tours are set to return to Brisbane in the lead up to the 2024 Australian Open.

The Brisbane International will be a combined ATP 250 and WTA 500 tournament played at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 31 December to 7 January.

It will run at the same time as the team event, the United Cup, giving players who aren’t in the mix for their country or whose countries didn’t qualify some action to kick off their season.

The tournament sports a new record AU$3.1 million in prize money on offer and 180 elite players are expected to make the trip to the Sunshine State to compete.

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

The WTA draw expands from the 32 of previous editions to 48 and that step up provides even more competitive opportunities for the top women.

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

“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.”

The pandemic played havoc with the Australian Open swing but tennis is now making its comeback across Australia.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the Brisbane International 2024 to the Queensland Tennis Centre this summer,” Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian 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.”

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe hopes the event honours famous Mount Isa native Pat Rafter.

“It’s terrific to see the much-anticipated return of the Brisbane International tournament to reignite Australia’s summer of tennis,” Hinchcliffe said.

“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.”

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