Brisbane QLD, Australia, 11 October 2016 | brisbaneinternational.com.au

Defending champion Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Dominic Thiem are among five of the world’s top 10 players headed for the Brisbane International in January 2017.

The trio completes the strongest men’s field in the tournament’s history with Spanish ace Rafael Nadal and 2016 US Open champion Stan Wawrinka both set to appear in Brisbane for the first time.

For Raonic, returning to Brisbane for a fourth time is an easy decision.

“I can’t wait to return to Brisbane in January. I played some of my best tennis to beat Roger in the final last time, and enjoyed playing in front of such a great crowd who clearly love their tennis,” he said.

“I’ve made the previous two finals, and the challenge for me is to make it three in a row against a quality field of players all looking to start the season well.

“For me it’s so important to get off to a strong start at the beginning of the season. Playing Brisbane is the best way to build momentum heading into the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.”

Nishikori said he was looking forward to returning to the Sunshine State.

“The people are very nice, very warm and I always love to play on Pat Rafter Arena. It’s a great tournament and I love to come back,” Nishikori said.

For Austria’s Dominic Thiem, the tournament serves as the perfect lead-in to the Australian Open.

“It’s like a mini Australian Open, really nice summer feeling and all the people are happy,” the 23-year-old said.

“The first tournament of the year is always special because you haven’t played a match for a month and a half.

“Last year I had a good start, I beat three very good players and had the honour of playing Roger Federer for the first time in my life, so that was a very special moment for me.”

World No.1 Angelique Kerber and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza have signed up in the women’s draw.

“We’re honoured to add defending champion Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Dominic Thiem to our field and have five of the top ten players here in Brisbane during the first week of January,” said tournament director Geoff Quinlan.

“These players, along with Rafa and Stan, means the quality of the field is stronger than ever.

“We are really excited with the line-up for 2017 and are confident that tennis fans will relish the opportunity to see the world’s best players in action.

“Pat Rafter Arena will come to life with the calibre of players that are coming. The power and passion of the top players brings great energy to centre court and we know the fans will be cheering them on to create an unbelievable atmosphere.”

Brisbane International 2017, presented by Suncorp and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from 1-8 January.

Single session packages will go on sale through Ticketek from Wednesday 12 October 2016. Please visit Ticketek for more information.

For all tournament information please visit brisbaneinternational.com.au.