Rafael Nadal is to make his first-ever appearance at the Brisbane International next January after coming to a deal with the tournament organizers.
The Spaniard, who usually opens his season at the Qatar Open, is the first player to be confirmed for the tournament, which takes place in the opening week of the season.
Nadal switches from Doha to Brisbane
Though there is no difference in the number of ranking points on offer (both tournaments offer 250 ranking points for the winner), Nadal’s move to Brisbane is a surprise considering his regular appearances in Doha.
The world number five has played in every Qatar Open since 2009, winning in 2014 and losing in the final in 2010 and earlier this year, though it seems that the tournament directors of the Brisbane International have offered him a better deal to make his event debut next year.
Nadal’s appearance next January will undoubtedly be a huge draw for the tournament, especially with Roger Federer not playing at the event in 2017; the Swiss star, who has appeared in Brisbane the past three years, will instead play in the Hopman Cup.
New tournament director welcomes Nadal
Geoff Quinlan, who will become the tournament director at the beginning of next year, has welcomed Nadal to the tournament.
“His special brand of retrieving and resilience in rallies is something our spectators will appreciate and it is a long awaited chance for Queensland fans to see one of the greats of the sport.’’
“Cameron Pearson {the director of Tennis Australia’s major events} has kept in close touch over the years, letting Rafa’s people know how welcome he’d be in Brisbane and how much of a thrill it will be for us to have him play here.’’
“Rafa knows how much of a feel Australian tennis spectators have for the game and its history. In return, he has a great, humble relationship with the fans in Australia.’’
Pearson, who helped secure the Spaniard’s appearance, is currently in New York trying to secure more players for the tournament, which starts on New Year’s day next year.