Stars flock to Sydney International, with Nishikori, Kerber signing on

FORMER world No 4 Kei Nishikori will continue his comeback from serious injury when he contests the Sydney International in January.

Kei Nishikori will use the Sydney International to further his comeback from injury.

FORMER world No 4 Kei Nishikori will continue his comeback from serious injury when he contests the Sydney International in January.

Nishikori has been confirmed today as one of the star attractions for the tournament at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.

And 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur has been joined by 2016 Australian Open and US Open winner Angelique Kerber in the women’s draw.

Nishikori rose to fame at the 2014 US Open when he pulled off a stunning upset over world No1 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals to become the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam final.

Kei Nishikori will use the Sydney International to further his comeback from injury.

The 27-year-old has been a fixture in the top 10 for the past three years, and reached the finals in Brisbane and Buenos Aires in 2017, before a wrist injury in August ended his season prematurely.

“This will be my first visit to Sydney and I am very much looking forward to playing there,” said Nishikori.

“I have heard great things about the tournament and think it will be the perfect place to return to tennis, and to prepare for the Australian Open.”

The addition of Stosur and Kerber means the Sydney International will host a record number of Gland Slam winners in January.

They join seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams, dual Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova, French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko and US Open victor Sloane Stephens.

Australia's Samantha Stosur has also signed up for the event.

Australia’s highest ranked female player Ash Barty has agreed to play in Sydney and 2017 Sydney International runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska will return.

“Sydney usually has a strong field but this year is outstanding given the number of Grand Slam champions confirmed,’’ Stosur said.

“We’re all there because we want the best preparation possible for the Australian Open and that’s what we’ll get at Olympic Park.

“There are no easy matches in Sydney so I know I have to be ready to go straight away.”

For ticketing information, go to www.sydneyinternational.com.au

Originally published as Stars flock to Sydney International, with Nishikori, Kerber signing on