Australian Open lead-up tournament the Sydney International has announced a trio of home-grown stars to feature at the 2015 event.
The January 11-17 tournament at Homebush will host three of Australia’s top ranked singles: rising star Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic and Sam Stosur.
Kyrgios’ breakout season saw him reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and claim a handful of impressive grand slam scalps in the process, including former world No.1 Rafael Nadal.
“I can’t wait to play in Sydney,” the 19-year-old, world No.55 said.
“I think the twilight sessions and the atmosphere it creates will suit my style of play.
“I’ve heard great things about Sydney fans and being so close to my home in Canberra, I’m looking forward to having that local support.
“I know many Australians have won here before and I’ll be doing my best to add my name to the trophy.”
An exhausting season saw Kyrgios end his 2014 early in order to get some extended rest, but the lengthy tennis schedule hasn’t stopped the other Aussie headliners from achieving some recent success.
2011 US Open winner Stosur claimed a sixth WTA title at last weekend’s Japan Open in Osaka, eliminating Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas while recovering her top 20 world ranking status.
“It’s a great tournament,” Stosur said of the Sydney International. “I spend a bit of time there in December practising so I’m pretty used to the courts and the conditions.
“It’s close to home and it’s a nice chance to play in Australia in front of a great crowd.”
2013 Sydney International winner Tomic is hoping to turnaround a forgettable 2014 at this week’s Stockholm Open. He kicked off his campaign in style with a second round win over third seed Kevin Anderson on Wednesday to set up a quarterfinals showdown with seventh seed Fernando Verdasco on Friday.
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