2 December 2011 | Tennis Queensland

The stage is set for a fierce competition at Brisbane International 2012.

With the full playing list announced today, four of the top 20 ranking men and nine of the top 20 women in the world are set to headline the most exciting field in the tournament’s history this January.

Joining Maria Sharapova (No.4), Samantha Stosur (No.6), Serena Williams (No.12), Kim Clijsters (No.13) and Ana Ivanovic (No.22) in the 2012 line-up are the world No.10 and 2011 Brisbane International finalist Andrea Petkovic, world No.11 and 2010 French Open Champion Francesca Schiavone, former No.1 and current No.14 Jelena Jankovic, No.16 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and No.18 Dominika Cibulkova.

In the men’s draw, world No.3 and Grand Slam finalist, Andy Murray will make his debut at the Brisbane International.

He is joined by seven players who have been in the top 10 during their career, including world No.12 Gilles Simon, fan favourites James Blake and Marcos Baghdatis, Brisbane International finalist and champion Radek Stepanek, Spaniard Tommy Robredo, Austrian Jurgen Melzer and Tommy Haas who has a protected ranking of No.20).

Australia will be represented in the men’s draw by Gold Coast teenager Bernard Tomic (No.41) who has been named alongside the only other teenager in the ATP top 100, Ryan Sweeting (No.73).

Sweeting, from the USA, is joined by fellow countrymen Donald Young, Ryan Harrison and Blake.

Returning to the Brisbane International in 2012 are former top 10 player Daniela Huntuchova,  No.16 Alexandr Dolgopolov, No.25 Kei Nishikori and No.25 Lucy Safarova to name a few.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said that the strength of this year’s playing field is spectacular. 

“The Brisbane International is getting bigger each year,” Pearson said.

“We have attracted another world-class field.  Between them they have won 23 Grand Slam titles and they will all be playing here in Brisbane.

“It’s wonderful to see so many players returning, as well as seeing some of the best players in the world sign on for the first time,” Pearson said.

“The strength in the playing field really says a lot about the calibre of the event and the venue, beautiful Brisbane and of course the gracious fans that come to watch the stars in action.

“It’s going to be intriguing to see how each player performs, and who can start the year off with a title win and set themselves up for a great run heading into the Australian Open.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said hosting world-class talent at the Brisbane International is great news for the State.

“Hosting an international event of this calibre in Brisbane is great news for Queensland tennis fans, providing an opportunity to see these talented players up close and in action,” said Ms Bligh.

“Not only does this event reinforce Queensland’s reputation as a sporting state, but is a great way to kick off the New Year.

“With such an impressive star line-up, the Brisbane International  is set to attract visitors from interstate and overseas – filling hotels, cafes and restaurants, giving a boost to the local economy and the Queensland tourism industry.

“Hosting world-class major events is part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future. That is why the Queensland Government, through Events Queensland, is investing a record $174 million in events over four years.

“With the holiday season fast approaching, I am sure a star line-up like this will have many people scheduling a trip to the Brisbane International in 2012.”

Official Brisbane International line-up (men)*

Murray, Andy GBR                                  No.3
Simon, Gilles FRA                                     No.12
Dolgopolov, Alexandr UKR                No.16
Haas, Tommy GER                                   No.20#
Mayer, Florian GER                                 No.23
Nishikori, Kei JPN                                    No.25
Stepanek, Radek CZE                            No.28
Anderson, Kevin RSA                             No.32
Melzer, Jurgen AUT                                No.33
Young, Donald USA                                No.39
Tomic, Bernard AUS                               No.41
Baghdatis, Marcos CYP                        No.44
Robredo, Tommy ESP                            No.51
Benneteau, Julien FRA                          No.52
Muller, Gilles LUX                                    No.54
Giraldo, Santiago COL                          No.55
Blake, James USA                                     No.59
Petzschner, Philipp GER                      No.63
Sweeting, Ryan USA                               No.73
Istomin, Denis UZB                                 No.74
Falla, Alejandro COL                              No.75
Nieminen, Jarkko FIN                            No.77
Harrison, Ryan USA                                No.79
Mahut, Nicolas FRA                                No.80
Stebe, Cedrik-Marcel GER                   No.81

#Protected ranking

Official Brisbane International line-up (women’s)*

Sharapova, Maria RUS                          No.4
Stosur, Samantha AUS                         No.6
Petkovic, Andrea GER                           No.10
Schiavone, Francesca ITA                   No.11   
Williams, Serena USA                            No.12
Clijsters, Kim BEL                                     No.13
Jankovic, Jelena SRB                              No.14
Pavlyuchenkova, Anastasia RUS    No.16
Cibulkova, Dominika SVK                    No.18
Ivanovic, Ana SRB                                    No.22
Hantuchova, Daniela SVK                   No.24
Safarova, Lucie CZE                                No.25
Kanepi, Kaia EST                                       No.34
Hercog, Polona SLO                               No.36
Peer, Shahar ISR                                       No.37
Scheepers, Chanelle RSA                     No.38
Pervak, Ksenia RUS                                 No.39
Zakopalova, Klara CZE                         No.41
Paszek, Tamira  AUT                               No.42
Zahlavova Strycova, Barbora CZE No.44
Martic, Petra CRO                                    No.49
Halep, Simona ROU                                No.53
Benesova, Iveta CZE                              No.54
Suarez Navarro, Carla ESP                  No.56

*Rankings taken at close of entries (21/11/11)

Brisbane International 2012 series packages and single sessions are on sale now.