** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ** 28 October 2019 Kooyong Classic bounces back for 2020 and beyond 2020 will see the iconic Kooyong Classic return with new commercial partners and a new-look stadium. A star-studded list of players set to headline the event has just been announced, with former world number ones Caroline Wozniacki and Maria SHarapova set to take centre court, with more players to be announced in the coming weeks. In a three-year title sponsorship deal with Australia’s leading emerging renewable energy company, the event will be known as the AgBioEn Kooyong Classic. A new official international broadcast and marketing partner has been announced, Mediapro Asia have signed on for the next three years in a deal that will see the Singapore-based business promote and market broadcast rights and event sponsorship both domestically and internationally. Tournament Director Peter Johnston, said the new partners set up the event for a successful return in 2020 and beyond. “With Australia’s revamped summer tennis schedule, the AgBioEn Kooyong Classic is perfectly positioned to provide the all-important final warm-up for players competing at the Australian Open the following week.” “Kooyong fans have seen their fair share of male number 1 players , now it is time for them to welcome 2 former female number ones who are both massive stars of the game’’ “AgBioEn and Mediapro Asia have recognised that the new-look format heralds a new future for the event, and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome them.” Johnston said. AgBioEn Director Charles Hunting, said the new naming-rights partnership was a perfect fit. “The Kooyong Classic holds a special place in Australia’s history, embodying the courage of the Australian sporting spirit.” “As AgBioEn grows its role in this country’s greener and renewable future, we believe this partnership will hold success for both parties, bringing together heritage and our collective hope for the future,” Hunting said. Mediapro Asia Managing Director Lars Heidenreich said: “We first became involved last year to increase the broadcast exposure of the event internationally. From there, we saw the potential growth of the event and we are delighted to expand our role on a long-term basis.” Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club President Peter Carew said: “Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club is the spiritual home of tennis in Australia and it was always important to the club to retain an event featuring the world’s best male and female players competing in the redeveloped stadium. We welcome AgBioEn and Mediapro Asia to the event, who will help create the foundation for us to achieve that.” The 2020 AgBioEn Kooyong Classic will be the first held at the 5000 capacity new-look Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, which will give audiences an unprecedented boutique experience. The club has commenced an $18million redevelopment which includes returning the stadium to its 1930s form ahead of major clubhouse and site improvements in 2020. A reduced capacity crowd of more than 4,500 fans is expected on site each day to experience the unique event atmosphere. World class players have appeared over the past two years, including 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal (ESP), 16-time Grand Slam champion and world No.1 Novak Djokovic (SRB), 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic (CRO), world No.5 Dominic Thiem (AUT) and local headliner Nick Kyrgios (ACT), as well as 2019 US Open semi-finalist and world No.10 Belinda Bencic (SUI), 2019 French Open semi-finalist and rising star Amanda Anisimova (USA), 2014 Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) and Australian Ajla Tomljanovic (Qld). The 2020 AgBioEn Kooyong Classic is going to not-to-be-missed event in Melbourne this summer. EVENT: AgBioEn Kooyong Classic 14 – 16 January 2020 1:00 pm daily start Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, 489 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong VIC 3144 Tickets go on sale at 11am on November 6th, 2019 via www.ticketek.com.au For all tournament information please visit kooyongclassic.com.au SOCIALS: facebook.com/kooyongclassic instagram.com/kooyong_classic twitter.com/kooyongclassic - ends - For media information/ enquiries please contact: Natalie Frid Tiffany Simon Anouconcept Anouconcept 0419 999 659 0431 805 756 [email protected] [email protected] SPONSOR INFORMATION: About AgBioEn AgBioEn is an Australian-first, fully integrated, sustainable farming and renewable energy focused venture. The company will deliver high-quality renewable energy and fuels. AgBioEn farms will produce food for Australian and global markets, whilst the inedible parts of the crop (biomass) will be converted to renewable transport fuels, electricity and organic fertilizer products. AgBioEn is committed to a low-emission, green energy future in Australia and across the globe. About Mediapro Asia Mediapro Asia, with its headquarters in Singapore, supports the Mediapro Group as the official TV and media rights representatives of LaLiga, who also market the Ladies European Tour, the Asian Volleyball Championships and ManCity TV across Asia-Pacific. In addition to being a sports media agency, the Asia office doubles as a marketing partner, providing clients with consulting services and offering end-to-end solutions to promote their brands using sporting personalities and sports events, and creating sporting assets. Mediapro inventory includes LED advertising as well as virtual boards (digital board replacements) within LaLiga matches and sponsorship deals for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. .