World’s best sign on for shot at hometown hero Ash Barty
The big names are lining up to challenge Ash Barty in her home tournament in Brisbane in January with three grand slam champions out to dethrone the World No.1.
Women's sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Women's sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The big names are lining up to challenge Ash Barty in her home tournament in Brisbane in January.
Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber have signed to play in Brisbane, joining former World No.1 Naomi Osaka from Japan in a top class field.
Kvitova, one of the women’s circuits most enduring stars, reached the final of the Australian Open in January and has finished the season in the top 10 for the seventh time.
Stream live coverage of the WTA and ATP Tours with ESPN and beIN SPORTS on KAYO. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“I’ve always enjoyed starting my season in Brisbane, and it’s great to see so many other players do as well. It’s going to be an incredibly strong tournament this year,” Kvitova said.
“The conditions in Queensland are ideal when preparing for the Australian Open, and I look forward to giving myself the best chance of success in 2020 by coming to Brisbane.”
Former Australian Open winner Kerber will be making her sixth appearance in Brisbane.
“For me, Brisbane is one of the best ways to start the season,’’ Kerber said.
“You have to play tournaments that will prepare you for the big moments like the Australian Open, and with a line up this strong I know Brisbane is the right place to be in January.
“I’ve made the final in Brisbane before, and the atmosphere in Pat Rafter Arena is amazing. I’m very excited to be back.”
Brisbane International tournament director Mark Handley said Kerber and Kvitova add experience and depth to an already outstanding field.
“With the world’s top three women already secured, fans will experience the best match-ups this sport has to offer,” Handley said.
“Both these women add to an incredible line-up we have coming to Brisbane between the ATP Cup and Brisbane International in January. We’re the only state where fans can watch men and women launch the summer of tennis, attracting the two current world No.1 players through to the next generation of superstars.”
Barty’s exceptional popularity as the newly crowned world No.1 is expected to spark a surge in ticket tales similar to this week’s Federation Cup final in Perth, at which more than 11,000 tickets have been sold for each day’s play.
Ranked: Who should really be named SA’s top sporting hero?
We’ve named the top 100 athletes, teams and sporting icons from South Australia. But did we get it right? Rate our full list here.
Matildas loss rugby’s gain as teens help Aussies end long Sevens drought
Grit, a fighting spirit and a pair of young guns - including one that was touted as a future Matilda - have helped Australia end a seven-year-long drought in rugby sevens.