1 October 2014 | Tennis Queensland

Defending men’s champion Lleyton Hewitt (SA), rising star Grigor Dimitrov (BUL), local favourite Samantha Stosur (Qld) and reigning French Open champion Maria Sharapova (RUS) today added their names to the list of headline acts set to descend on Brisbane international 2015 presented by Suncorp.

Tournament Director Cameron Pearson announced the latest names to have signed to the event at today’s official tournament launch, joining 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer (SUI), 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic (CRO) and 2014 US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori (JPN) in the star-studded field.

Hewitt, who defeated Federer in three sets to claim the Roy Emerson trophy in 2014, will return to Queensland Tennis Centre in January with his sights set on back-to-back titles.

“I really enjoy starting my year in Brisbane, it’s such a great tournament that traditionally has a strong line-up of players. I had a good win against Roger in the final earlier this year and I hope I can repeat that success in 2015,” Hewitt said.

“The fans in Brisbane are great and always turn out to show their support for the players, so I’ll be looking forward to getting back to Brisbane with the memories of winning last year.”

Hewitt will face at least four men ranked inside the world’s top 10 when he steps out in defence of his title, including the fast-moving Dimitrov who has climbed from world No.23 at last year’s event to now sit at No.10.

In a breakthrough season Dimitrov has this year contested the Australian Open quarterfinals and Wimbledon semifinals, cementing his arrival on the world stage.

The 23-year-old will travel to Brisbane determined to add his name to the tournament honour roll.

“To me, the ultimate goal is to win it. I love the tournament and I definitely want to win it one day and why not next year?” Dimitrov said.

“I’m always positive coming out to a tournament and I think one of the reasons I’m entering any event I play is to win it and this tournament is certainly on my list.

“It’s going to be my third time [competing in Brisbane] and it’s definitely a tournament I remember, it was one of my first big breakthrough tournaments and I’m always excited to get out there.

“I’ve played quite a few matches and actually a few night matches and the crowd has always been a full house and always been really supportive, they appreciate good tennis and that’s one of the nicest things as an athlete and as a player and you’re just always really excited to get out there and perform on that court.”

Reigning French Open champion Maria Sharapova will start one of the hot favourites for the women’s title, the world No.4 and five-time Grand Slam winner again choosing to start her year in the Sunshine State.

“Brisbane is such a great tournament, I’ve tried to make it so many years and I finally made it in 2014 and it was such a great experience. The fans were wonderful and the tournament organisation was great,” Sharapova said.

“You go to the tournament wanting to succeed and win it. This summer was a great result for me after not playing for a few months and I certainly look forward to coming back and doing better next year.”

The 27-year-old hopes a bumper crowd will again turn out at Pat Rafter Arena this summer and promised fans a great day out.

“Pat Rafter Arena is very unique, it’s very intimate. I feel like every fan gets a great perspective on the sport and the athletes and that’s very important when they’re in their seat, [that] they can see everything. I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house really, the venue is great and I feel if I was a fan it’s a tournament I would want to go to and watch,” she said.

Sharapova will be joined in the women’s draw by Aussie favourite Sam Stosur, who will start her new season competing in front of family and friends.

“It’s a wonderful tournament in Brisbane, I’ve played there many times before and I just wanted to go back to play at home this year and play in front of lots of family and friends and a great Brisbane crowd, so I’m really looking forward to it,” said the world No.21.

“It’s fun to play in front of a home crowd, I grew up not too far from those tennis courts… so it’s a nice opportunity to get that time to be at home and be there playing in front of a lot of people I knew when I was growing up.”

With four of the top 10 ATP players and a total of five Grand Slam champions already committed to Brisbane International 2015, Pearson said the tournament was fast shaping as a blockbuster event.

“The tournament continues to build each year and 2015 will be no exception. We’re thrilled with the field we have assembled so far and there are lots more names to be added to that list so there’s plenty for fans to get excited about,” he said.

“We’re delighted to welcome back our 2014 men’s finalists in Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer, and look forward to seeing the battle for the 2015 titles unfold.

“Tickets are selling well and we’re on track for another big crowd this summer. Pat Rafter Arena is a fantastic, intimate venue with a seating capacity of just 5500 fans per session, so I urge anyone keen to come along and see the likes of Hewitt, Federer and Sharapova in action to get in early and secure their seats.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the tournament would again be a highlight of the city’s summer events calendar.

“Today’s player announcements add to an impressive field of talent for Brisbane International 2015,” Ms Stuckey said.

“We will have the exciting prospect of seeing Lleyton Hewitt defend his title following his victory over Federer in this year’s final.

“The Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, is proud to support this event as part of its goal to double annual overnight visitor expenditure.

“The Government’s 20-year plan for tourism, Destination Success, recognises the importance of events in bringing visitors to our destinations.”

Brisbane International 2015, presented by Suncorp and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from 4 to 11 January.

Premium and multi-session tickets are now on sale through Ticketek. Single-session tickets will be on sale next Wednesday 8 October.