media release Wednesday 8 October 2008 Monfils and Gasquet Brisbane bound The French connection continues at the Brisbane International with the announcement today that World No.15 Richard Gasquet , and World No.28 Gael Monfils will compete in the inaugural event in January. The dynamic Frenchmen will join compatriot and Australian Open finalist Jo- Wilfried Tsonga in what is lining up to be a star-studded draw. Brisbane International Tournament Director, Steve Ayles , said “We are thrilled to have both Monfils and Gasquet coming to Brisbane. Along with Tsonga, they are all highly competitive players, both on the tour and among themselves. “Tsonga defeated Gasquet in the round of 16 at the Australian Open this year, and last week defeated Monfils in the semis in Bangkok, before going on to win the final over Novak Djokovic . Gasquet ousted Monfils at the AO in 2007 and earlier this year Gasquet teamed with Tsonga to defeat the Bryan brothers in the Medibank International in Sydney,” Ayles continued. Monfils and Gasquet join Australian Open winner, Novak Djokovic in the men’s draw, with AO finalist Ana Ivanovic heading the women’s line-up. The Brisbane International also received a positive response from tennis fans following the announcement last week of the $9.90 ground pass which will be available for each day of the tournament. Tickets will go on sale through Ticketek on Thursday October 9, with single session tickets for centre-court starting at just $24.90. “We are really looking forward to presenting the Brisbane International at the amazing new Queensland Tennis Centre in January,” Ayles stated. “And the $9.90 ground pass gives everyone the chance to be part of the action.” Tickets will be on sale through Ticketek from Thursday October 9 and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. - ends – Brisbane International 2009, presented by Mirvac in association with Queensland Events, will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane from January 4–11, 2009. 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 .