Brisbane, 18 December 2011 | tennis.com.au

Australia’s No.2 men’s player Matt Edben has been confirmed as the Brisbane International’s first men’s wildcard.

Ebden, who qualified for last year’s event, made it to the quarterfinals before being defeated by the eventual champion and world No.5 Robin Soderling.

The No.86 has had an amazing season in 2011 also reaching the quarterfinals in Shanghai. The West Australian posted wins against then world No.12 Gilles Simon, No.45 Pablo Andujar, No.67 Philipp Petzschner and American Ryan Harrison (No.79).  Simon, Petzschner and Harrison will all be attending the 2012 Brisbane International.

Ebden said he was looking forward to the Queensland event and hopes to be able to better his performance from last year.

“Brisbane is easily one of my favourite tournaments of the year,” Ebden said.

“I have had some promising results there in the last two years and in a way that has helped be a springboard for me into the rest of the summer and the 2012 tennis season.

“I hope that it may be the place where I win my first singles title!

“I would like to thank everyone at the Brisbane International and Tennis Australia for the opportunity.”

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said it is great to add Ebden to the Brisbane International line-up.

“Matt is a quality individual, a tireless worker and thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” Pearson said.

“He has had a stellar 2011 which has seen him break in to the Top 100 for the first time, and I have no doubt if he continues to work hard, his ranking will only go higher.

“The Brisbane International has been a happy hunting ground for Matt over the past couple of years, and with the quality of tennis he is displaying at present he will challenge many of the guys in the draw.”