Murray Headlines Strong 2012 Brisbane Line-up

© Getty ImagesAndy Murray will make his debut at the Brisbane International.

The stage is set for a fierce competition at Brisbane International 2012. With the full playing list announced Friday, four of the Top 20 ranking men and nine of the Top 20 women in the world are set to headline the most exciting field in the tournament’s history this January.

In the men’s draw, World No. 4 and Grand Slam finalist, Andy Murray will make his debut at the Brisbane International.

He is joined by seven players who have been in the Top 10 during their career, including World No. 12 Gilles Simon, fan favourites James Blake and Marcos Baghdatis, Brisbane International finalist and champion Radek Stepanek, Spaniard Tommy Robredo, Austrian Jurgen Melzer and Tommy Haas who has a protected ranking of No. 20.

Australia will be represented in the men’s draw by Gold Coast teenager Bernard Tomic (No. 41) who has been named alongside the only other teenager in the ATP Top 100, Ryan Sweeting (No. 73). Sweeting, from the USA, is joined by fellow countrymen Donald Young, Ryan Harrison and Blake.

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Also Returning to the Brisbane International in 2012 are No.16 Alexandr Dolgopolov and No.25 Kei Nishikori.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said that the strength of this year’s playing field is spectacular. 

“The Brisbane International is getting bigger each year,” Pearson said. “We have attracted another world-class field.  Between them they have won 23 Grand Slam titles and they will all be playing here in Brisbane.

“It’s wonderful to see so many players returning, as well as seeing some of the best players in the world sign on for the first time,” Pearson said. “The strength in the playing field really says a lot about the calibre of the event and the venue, beautiful Brisbane and of course the gracious fans that come to watch the stars in action.

“It’s going to be intriguing to see how each player performs, and who can start the year off with a title win and set themselves up for a great run heading into the Australian Open.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said hosting world-class talent at the Brisbane International is great news for the State.

“Hosting an international event of this calibre in Brisbane is great news for Queensland tennis fans, providing an opportunity to see these talented players up close and in action,” said Ms Bligh. “Not only does this event reinforce Queensland’s reputation as a sporting state, but is a great way to kick off the New Year.

“With such an impressive star line-up, the Brisbane International is set to attract visitors from interstate and overseas – filling hotels, cafes and restaurants, giving a boost to the local economy and the Queensland 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.

“With the holiday season fast approaching, I am sure a star line-up like this will have many people scheduling a trip to the Brisbane International in 2012.”

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.