Murray Signs Up To Brisbane International

© Getty ImagesWorld No. 3 Andy Murray will make his debut at the Brisbane International.

Andy Murray will start his 2012 season at the Brisbane International in January. The world No.3 and three-time Grand Slam finalist will join a host of tennis stars in what is shaping up to be the strongest Brisbane International line-up to date.

The Scotsman, who confirmed his attendance today, said he was looking forward to starting his year in Queensland.

“I love coming to Australia, but I've never had the opportunity to visit Queensland before,” Murray said. “I've heard only good things about the Brisbane International tournament, so I am looking forward to competing in January. With a quality field it is the perfect way to begin my Australian campaign.”

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Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said he is pleased he has been able to secure the World No.3 for the Brisbane International.

“Andy is arguably one of the best players on the men’s tour at the moment and he will be a real asset to the Brisbane International in 2012,” Pearson said. “It is great to be able to attract players of this calibre and the fact that he has chosen to play in Brisbane just demonstrates the reputation the event has built on the tour.

“Andy will join Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in their debut year at the Brisbane International and I am sure all three will be fan favourites with the Queensland public.

“This announcement shows how far the event has come in three years with its world-class facilities, great playing atmosphere, friendly staff and enthusiastic tennis fans. With its star-studded line-up and even more entertainment and activities on site, Brisbane International 2012 is shaping up to be the best tournament to date.” 

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said Queenslanders will be thrilled to welcome the Scottish tennis star to the state.

“To have international talent like Andy Murray right here in Brisbane for the January tournament is exciting news for local tennis fans,” said Ms Bligh.

“The Brisbane International gets better every year and with players like Ana Ivanovic, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Bernard Tomic and now Andy Murray in our own backyard. It provides a great opportunity to see world-class talent firsthand.

“Major events like this attract visitors from interstate and overseas – filling hotels, cafes and restaurants, giving a boost to the local economy and the state’s tourism industry.

“Hosting world-class major events is part of our plan to continue building Queensland’s bright future. That is why the Queensland Government, through Events Queensland, is investing a record $174 million in events over four years.”

Murray has won 21 ATP World Tour titles and has been a finalist on nine other occasions including at the 2008 US Open, and the 2010 and 2011 Australian Open. He has also reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments.

The 24 year old first achieved a Top 10 ranking on 16 April 2007, at the age of 19, and he scored his highest ranking of No.2 in August 2009. Murray will be joined by Bernard Tomic, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur and Ana Ivanovic at the Brisbane International 2012 with a full playing field to be announced soon.

The Brisbane International men’s singles trophy is named in honour of one of Queensland’s, and Australia’s, greatest ever tennis players, Roy Emerson. A star studded line up of tennis greats Rod Laver, Ashley Cooper, Mal Anderson and Pat Rafter joined Emerson at Pat Rafter Arena for the announcement on Monday.

Cooper, one of the driving forces behind the Queensland Tennis Centre, and Rafter were delighted to show Emerson and his fellow tennis legends the newly commissioned silverware to be known as the Roy Emerson Trophy.

“It’s wonderful to have Roy here for the naming of the Roy Emerson Trophy,” Cooper said. “Queensland has such a rich tennis history and it’s only appropriate that we recognise Roy’s contribution to the sport in our state in this way.”

“It’s a tremendous honour to have the Brisbane International trophy named after me”, Roy Emerson said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be recognised in this way.”

“The Brisbane International is a fantastic event. The state of Queensland has made a big contribution to Australian tennis so it’s only fitting that Brisbane has a chance to host such a major tournament, particularly one of the few combined events in the world where both the men and women have the chance to play.”

Emerson was born in Blackbutt, Queensland in 1936 and still holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles won by a male player - 12 singles titles and 16 doubles titles. He is also the only male player to have won singles and doubles titles at all four Grand Slam tournaments, and has won the Australian Open six times, more than any other player.

The first Brisbane International was staged in 2009 and since then has seen world-class talent including Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Robin Soderling, Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic and Justine Henin in competition.

Prize money for this combined ATP-WTA tour event will increase to USD$1.1million in 2012, a 63 per cent increase, then to USD$1.55 million in 2013.

Brisbane International 2012 series packages and single sessions are on sale now. Tickets start from as little as $14.90 for ground passes and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational  or call 1300 888 104.