media release Tuesday 14 October 2008 Baghdatis named for International

Former finalist is the latest player to confirm Brisbane as the start of his Australian Open campaign, joining the star-studded player line-up at the inaugural event.

To be held at the new Centre in Tennyson from Sunday 4 to Sunday 11 January, the will offer more than $1 million in prize money.

“Today we are pleased to announce Marcos Baghdatis as the latest player to sign up for the Brisbane International,” Tournament Director, Steve Ayles said.

“Baghdatis captured the hearts of Australians during his phenomenal run to the Australian Open final in 2006, and who could forget his brave late-night fight against at the Australian Open this year.

“Marcos is one of the game’s biggest personalities, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Brisbane International.”

The flamboyant Cypriot joins Australian Open champion and *world No.3 , and the ‘three musketeers’ of French tennis, No.15 , No.16 and Australian Open finalist, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga , and No.28 Gael Monfils.

“Djokovic is sure to come out firing in Brisbane as he prepares for his AO title defence,” Ayles said.

The Serbian superstar added two Masters Series trophies – Indian Wells and Rome – to his silverware in 2008, and reached the semis at Roland Garros, the US Open, the Beijing Olympics and Masters Series events in Monte Carlo and Hamburg.

Richard Gasquet started 2008 ranked No.7 but has failed to notch up a singles title this year. He teamed with Tsonga to defeat the at the Medibank International last January.

For further media information, please contact: Darren Pearce, Manager – Media, Tennis : +61 3 9914 4230, 0409 506 812 Prue Ryan, Media & PR Coordinator, : +61 3 9914 4175, 0419 308 369

media release

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has made a stunning return to the tour following several months off with a knee injury which required surgery. He exacted revenge over Djokovic in a replay of the Australian Open final, defeating the Serb and taking the title in Thailand last month.

The stage is set in Brisbane for a possible match-up between the pair, as a great tennis rivalry continues to evolve.

Gael Monfils is another dynamic Frenchman who first made his presence felt at the Australian Open, reaching the third round in an amazing display of athleticism in 2007. His 2008 highlights include reaching the final in Austria this week, a brilliant run to the semis at Roland Garros, semi-final appearances in Nottingham and Bangkok, and the quarterfinals of the Beijing Olympics.

Tennis’ ultimate girl-next-door and Australian Open finalist leads the charge on the women’s side of the draw.

“I’m very excited, it’s my favourite country in the world … and I’ve never been to Brisbane before, so it’s very exciting. It’s a combined event and the spectators will really appreciate the guys and girls both being there, and I look forward to seeing all my fans and competing in a new stadium,” Ana Ivanovic said.

“We are also excited that Queenslander will start her Australian Open campaign at the Brisbane International,” Steve Ayles said.

“Sam has had an amazing come-back year after a serious illness. A couple of weeks ago she reached the final in Thailand, and the quarters in Japan, lifting her ranking to No. 51.

“In doubles she reached the Wimbledon and US Open finals, and won the mixed at Wimbledon. We can’t wait to welcome her to what will really be her ‘home’ tournament, and I’m sure all Queenslanders look forward to seeing her play,” Ayles stated.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at the Brisbane International and hope all the fans come out to support me,” Sam Stosur said .

For further media information, please contact: Darren Pearce, Manager – Media, Tennis Australia: +61 3 9914 4230, 0409 506 812 Prue Ryan, Media & PR Coordinator, Tennis Australia: +61 3 9914 4175, 0419 308 369

media release

“Over the next few weeks we will be confirming more exciting players and developments for the tournament,” Ayles continued.

Tickets for the Brisbane International are now on sale through Ticketek and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.

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Brisbane International 2009 , presented by Mirvac in association with Queensland Events , will take place at the , Brisbane from January 4 to 11, 2009.

*World rankings as of 13 October 2008.

For further media information, please contact: Darren Pearce, Manager – Media, Tennis Australia: +61 3 9914 4230, 0409 506 812 Prue Ryan, Media & PR Coordinator, Tennis Australia: +61 3 9914 4175, 0419 308 369