‘One of the best we have ever seen’: Andy Murray joins incredible field for the Kooyong Classic

Tennis fans in Victoria are spoiled for choice with some of the best players in the world locked in for next year’s Kooyong Classic as things heat up ahead of the Australian Open.

Andy Murray has confirmed he’ll play in the Kooyong Classic in what could be his final trip to Australia. Picture: Fred Lee/Getty Images

Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray has confirmed he will again compete in next year’s Kooyong Classic to prepare for the first grand slam event of 2024 in what could be one of his final trips Down Under.

The 36-year-old played in this year’s event and used it as a springboard to reach the third round of the Australian Open – his deepest run at the four slams this year – and Murray will again feature at the historic three-day event alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.

World number four Jannik Sinner is the headline act and is fresh from leading Italy to a drought-breaking Davis Cup win over Australia just last month.

World number 11 Casper Ruud is also in the field along with household names Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Francis Tiafoe, Holger Rune, Milos Raonic and local hope Marc Polmans.

Jannik Sinner will head to the Kooyong Classic in terrific form having helped Italy win the Davis Cup. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for ITF

“The inclusion of Murray, Ruud and Raonic illustrates the importance of the Care Wellness Kooyong Classic as a lead-in for the Australian Open,” tournament director Peter Johnston said.

“Sir Andy, Milos, Casper and Marc are all great additions to a field that is shaping as one of the best we have ever seen at the club.

“We have so many crowd favourites competing and I’m sure we are going to see some brilliant tennis.

“Marc Polmans adds the hometown touch to the event, but he will not be underestimated. It was great to see him playing so well in Asia this year on his comeback from some significant injuries.”

The men’s field has been officially locked in for the event which runs from January 10-12, but tournament organisers have turned their attention to the women’s side of things which is a bit more complicated.

While a number of grand slam champions have expressed an interest to play, the WTA has strict rules around non-tour sanctioned events.

“We know how much our fans have loved seeing women competing in recent editions of the Kooyong Classic,” Johnston said.

“Some of the greatest female players in history have been champions when the Australian Open was played at Kooyong and we want to continue to link to that heritage.

“We just need to wait on some scheduling decisions by players to determine what we are permitted to do while being respectful to the WTA rules. We should able to make an announcement leading into Christmas.”