Aryna Sabalenka will begin her preparation for a second consecutive Australian Open title by playing a warm-up event in Brisbane during the first week of January.
The world No.2 is among a trio of players that has been added to the line-up for the combined event with the women’s draw being increased from 32 to 48 players. It will be the first time in Sabalenka’s career that she has played in Brisbane after the tournament wasn’t held between 2021-2023.
“I’m excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane. Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there,” Sabalenka said in a press release.
“I can’t wait to make my debut at the Brisbane International and play in front of the Queensland tennis fans. It’s a tournament that’s attracted so many good players in the past and I’m hoping it will set me up for another successful summer.”
Sabalenka will be hoping to continue her run of good form from 2023 into the new season. This year she won her maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, was runer-up to Coco Gauff at the US Open and reached the semi-finals at the two other major events. She also won the Madrid Open in May which is the biggest clay-court title of her career to date.
Also joining the Belarussian in the draw is former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The world No.4 was runner-up to Sabalenka at the Australian Open earlier this year. She has won five WTA titles so far in her career with two of those occurring this year in Indian Wells and Rome.
As for the men’s draw, which is categorized as an ATP 250 event, Ben Shelton has confirmed his entry. The 21-year-old played his first-ever international event back in January and since the start of the year, he has risen almost 80 places in the rankings to 17th in the world. His career-best ranking is 15th which was achieved last month.
“I’m thrilled to be playing the Brisbane International for the first time in 2024. My first trip to Australia was last January, and it was such an amazing experience. The fans were so welcoming,” said Shelton.
“I’m looking forward to exploring Brisbane and playing in front of the local fans. Hopefully, there will also be a chance to fit in some sightseeing during my visit.”
The Brisbane International has already confirmed that Naomi Osaka will also be playing in what will be her first tournament since becoming a mother. Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov are also set to play at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
The tournament will take place from 31 December to 7 January.
