7 December 2018 | Tennis Victoria

The 2019 Kooyong Classic is set to showcase some of the world’s finest tennis as World No. 6 and 7 Kevin Anderson and Marin Cilic join the tournament, accompanying World No. 5 Juan Martin Del Potro in the men’s playing field, and with CoCo Vandeweghe also joining the women’s event. The additions make it three of the world’s top 10 players, including two US Open winners, to grace Kooyong’s famous centre court in January.

Cilic joins the tournament after a thrilling victory in the 2018 Davis Cup final, with tournament director Peter Johnston welcoming the addition.

“It’s great to have Marin back at Kooyong. Last year it served him well as a lead up to the Australian Open when he reached the final before losing in 5 sets to Roger Federer,” Johnston said.

“It was an incredible effort playing the lead role in Croatia’s Davis Cup win on the weekend. He has done pretty much everything in the sport being a former US Open winner and finalist at Wimbledon and Australian Open and a regular fixture in the top 10.”

2018 Wimbledon finalist Anderson joins the tournament following a career best 2018 season. With victories at the Erste Bank Open 500 in Vienna and New York Open he finishes the year ranked World No. 6. Johnston noted the addition of Anderson is a: “testament to the important role the Kooyong Classic plays for players honing their final preparations for the Australian Open”.

Continuing a long and distinguished tradition as the ‘spiritual home of Australian tennis’, the tournament introduces a new broadcast partner, with Johnston announcing they are
“delighted to welcome SBS as our domestic broadcast partner for the 2019 Kooyong Classic. This partnership enables us to increase our viewing hours in 2019 with
National broadcast from 11am to 4pm on each day of the event.” SBS will also stream the tournament live online.

About the KOOYONG CLASSIC
As part of the Summer of Tennis in Melbourne, Australia, the world’s top players grace Kooyong’s historic centre court in January each year, maintaining its long and distinguished tradition as the ‘spiritual home of Australian tennis’. As a key part of player’s preparation in the lead up to the Grand Slam of the Asia/Pacific, the Australian Open, the tournament offers a tournament like no other and truly is one of Australian tennis’ most storied events.

About the PLAYERS
Marin Cilic will look to continue an excellent close to the 2018 season following victory in the Davis Cup. Returning to Melbourne after finals appearances at this years’ Australian Open in January, Cilic looks set to continue his success at the 2019 Australian Open.

Kevin Anderson completed a career best 2018 season securing victories at the Erste Bank Open 500 and New York Open to finish the year ranked World No. 6. After a gruelling semi-final victory at Wimbledon against John Isner, Anderson’s recent form suggests 2019 will be a career year for the South African.

Juan Martin Del Potro is a fan favourite across the world with a current ranking of No. 5. Following a setback from injury in 2018, he is sure to continue his dominance as one of the world’s elite players. The 2019 Kooyong Classic will offer fans the opportunity to see Delpo up close, in one of his first matches back from injury.

CoCo Vandeweghe will look to put together a strong season in 2019 following a trying 2018 that was marred by injury. Having secured a career-high ranking of no. 9 in January of 2018, Vandeweghe rallied late in the season to find great success alongside Ashleigh Barty in the doubles competition, taking out a Grand Slam title at the US Open. Looking to rebuild her singles ranking, the Kooyong Classic will be a key stepping stone in Vandeweghe’s Australian Open preparation.

Celebrate Another Classic Summer at the 2019 Kooyong Classic.

For more information on the 2019 Kooyong Classic, visit their website: www.kooyongclassic.com.au