Frances Tiafoe, Aryna Sabalenka locked in for Brisbane International with Nick Kyrgios in their sights
American firebrand Frances Tiafoe is headed to Brisbane and could be joined by former champion Nick Kyrgios with the invitation laid out.
Brisbane International officials will roll out the red carpet for NIck Kyrgios if he wants to start his tennis comeback at their event which will be headlined by reigning Australian Open champion and world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka.
The three-time grand slam champion will ramp up her quest for third title at Melbourne Park and seek revenge at the tournament where she’ll be joined by fiery American Frances Tiafoe.
He went viral last week for an outrageous, foul-mouthed tirade at the chair umpire after the American lost his match at the Shanghai Masters.
Last week Australian open boss Craig Tiley said he expected Kyrgios to make a grand slam comeback in January after doing “more than he’s done before” to overcome his injury problems.
Kyrgios won the Brisbane International in 2018 and without declaring whether any talks had taken place, Brisbane International Tournament Director Cam Pearson said the former Wimbledon finalist would be very welcome attendee.
“Nick, we’d love to have Nick here in Brisbane. Our 2017 champion does o much on and off the court for tennis,” he said.
“He’d be someone, if he wants to play the first week of the year, we’d welcome Nick in Brisbane with open arms.”
With three Australian men currently in the world’s top 30, and 10 in the top 100, Pearson said there would be a strong focus on getting all the best “local talent” in to the event.
Three-time grand slam champion Sabalenka, who added the US Open in September to her second Australian Open victory, will join Jessica Pegula, whom she conquered in the final at Flushing Meadows this year, at Pat Rafter Arena in January,
Sabalenka, 26, lost the Brisbane International singles final in 2024 to Elena Rybakina before winning her second consecutive Australian Open title.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Brisbane again,” Sabalenka said.
“I had a great time this year and enjoyed playing in front of the Queensland crowds. Hopefully, I can go one better in 2025.”
Pegula, 30, will be making her first appearance in Queensland following a career-best season that included her runner-up finish at the US Open and two singles titles in Toronto and Berlin.
“I’m so excited to be coming back Down Under, it’s such a great place to start the year,” Pegula said.
“I’m looking forward to making my debut at the Brisbane International tournament. I hope to see you there.”
Joining Tiafoe in the men’s competition will be 21-year-old, world No.14 Holger Rune. who also lost the 2024 final.
“I have great memories from Brisbane and reaching the final in my first event,” said Rune, who peaked at world No.4 in August 2023.
“I look forward to getting out to Australia and starting the year fresh in Brisbane.”
The Brisbane International will start on December 29, with the finals to be played on Sunday, January 5.
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