Adam Walton and Kimberly Birrell awarded Brisbane International wildcards

The number of Australians playing singles at the Brisbane International has increased to six.

Queenslanders Adam Walton and Kimberly Birrell have lifted the number of Australians in the Brisbane International to six after being awarded tournament wildcards.

Walton joins fellow Australians Nick Kyrgios, Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson in the men’s singles draw for the December 29-January 5 event.

The Australians in the women’s singles field has been doubled, with 26-year-old Birrell to join fellow wildcard Ajla Tomljanovic at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

“Starting my year in Brisbane is always special,” world No.113 Birrell said.

“Growing up on the Gold Coast and spending hours on the courts training at the Queensland Tennis Centre makes the Brisbane International feel like home

“I couldn’t think of a better way to start my season than to test myself against the best players in the world.”

Adam Walton will play at the Brisbane International for the first time. Picture: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Walton, who is No.93 in the men’s ATP rankings, will relish the chance to make his first appearance in the tournament.

“Playing at the Brisbane International will be a great experience for me,” 25-year-old Walton said.

“There is such an incredible line up this year .. and I hope to make my family and friends proud.”

The men’s singles field includes 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, defending champion and world No.10 Grigor Dimitrov, Holger Rune (No.13), Frances Tiafoe (No.18) and Matteo Berrettini (No.34).

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka headlines a women’s field that also includes Jessica Pegula (No.7), Emma Navarro (No.8) and Daria Kasatkina (No.9).

Originally published as Adam Walton and Kimberly Birrell awarded Brisbane International wildcards