Brisbane International on track for record turnout amid talks on event future

Officials are working to lock in a long-term deal to keep the Brisbane International in Queensland, as the tennis tournament closes in on the all-time-record crowd.

Novak Djokovic (top) and Nick Kyrgios headlined this year’s Brisbane International. Picture: William West/AFP

Officials are working to lock in a long-term deal to keep the Brisbane International in Queensland, as the tennis tournament closes in on the all-time-record crowd.

Buoyed by good weather and the appearance of box-office superstars including Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and Aussie Nick Kyrgios, this year’s tournament has already set several attendance records and is on track to eclipse the 2014 event, which was headlined by Roger Federer, as the most successful Brisbane International ever.

Resurrected last year after the mixed success of the multi-city United Cup teams event, fans have voted with their feet over the past two summers, with organisers keen to ensure the Brisbane International remains a long-term fixture on the Queensland calendar.

The tournament’s current three-year deal expires next year, with negotiations already under way to keep it in Brisbane for the foreseeable future.

The tennis circuit is increasingly competitive, with all Aussie states vying for events in the lead-up to the Australian Open each summer.

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said working with tournament director Cameron Pearson to secure a long-term future for the Brisbane International would be a priority as part of a push to grow the state’s major events calendar.

Nicolas Jarry with Mia, 5, and Dragan Radmanovic, 7, at Pat Rafter Arana. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“We’re keen to continue that conversation with Cameron and his team to make sure this fantastic event can continue,” he said.

Mr Pearson said the tournament was a fan favourite with compelling reasons to be secured long term.

“I love this event (and) the fans do too – they vote with their feet,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to the discussions for the long term and this event will only get bigger and better.”

Mr Pearson said this year’s tournament had already broken records, which augured well for the future.

“It’s been another epic week of tennis here at the Queensland Tennis Centre – we’ve had record-breaking crowds, we’ve had six sellout sessions and we’re not even halfway through the tournament, so we’re really thrilled,” he said.

“We’re certainly on track to have a record year.”

The 2014 edition of the tournament drew more than 105,000 spectators, with last year’s event going a close second.

More than 70,000 fans have already poured through the gates this year, with more huge crowds expected over the remaining three days.

As an added incentive for families, kids’ entry is free on Friday and Saturday before the men’s and women’s finals on Sunday.

With the Queensland Tennis Centre requiring an upgrade ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Games, there is scope for future events to generate even bigger crowds with more courts and more spectator seating.

Originally published as Brisbane International on track for record turnout amid talks on event future