Rafael Nadal, the Spanish superstar, is finally ready to make a comeback on the tennis courts. The Spaniard is recovering from a hip injury and surgery that kept him away from the courts after last playing in the 2023 Australian Open. Nadal expressed his eagerness to play at the Brisbane International, kickstarting his most-awaited 2024 season and probably the last of his illustrious career.
Rafa took to social media to announce the news. The tournament director, Cam Pearson, eagerly anticipates Nadal’s return, acknowledging the hard work the tennis legend has put in to make a comeback. Scheduled in the first week of the new year, the tournament features tennis stars such as Andy Murray, Grigor Dimitrov, Naomi Osaka, and Victoria Azarenka.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner sees Nadal’s return as a significant boon for the city, stating, “It’s incredible news that tennis superstar Rafael Nadal has chosen the Brisbane International as his comeback tournament and long-awaited return to tennis.”
🇦🇺 Adrian Schrinner, the Mayor of Brisbane, says Rafael Nadal will boost the Australian economy:
“We expect locals, visitors and tennis fans to visit the Queensland Tennis Centre en masse to see Nadal in action, injecting millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy through our… pic.twitter.com/5WxkrqIit1
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) December 2, 2023
Schrinner predicts a substantial economic impact, with Nadal’s presence attracting residents, visitors, and tennis enthusiasts and injecting millions of dollars into Brisbane’s local businesses and tourism experiences.
He stated, “We expect residents, visitors, and tennis fans… [to] catch a glimpse of Nadal back in action, injecting millions of dollars into Brisbane’s economy through our local hotels, restaurants and tourism experiences.”
Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe echoes a similar sentiment, estimating a substantial $10 million contribution. The Brisbane International promises not only a world-class tennis event but also a significant economic boost for Brisbane, reaffirming the city’s status as a top sporting destination.
Brisbane International returns to the ATP Tour after a 4-year hiatus
Established in 2009 as a professional tennis event, the Brisbane International is part of the ATP Tour 250 series. It is played on outdoor hardcourts at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane. However, after the 2019 edition, the tournament was discontinued, making room for the ATP Cup, which took place at the same venue.
In 2024, Brisbane International, making a comeback, will showcase 32 players in men’s singles and 24 teams in the men’s doubles category. Players consider it a crucial warm-up competition, scheduled just one week before the commencement of the Australian Open.
Getting set for a BIG announcement 🤫
In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy some court surfacing at Pat Rafter Arena 🖌️#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/cjSJsQICIq
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) December 1, 2023
The highlight of the event is the Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre, situated along the picturesque Brisbane River in Tennyson. A seating capacity of 5,500 fans adorns this state-of-the-art facility with a protracted roof. Additionally, the complex houses 22 courts and features two show courts.
The 2024 Brisbane International promises to host top-tier players like world no. 8 Holger Rune, world no. 14 Grigor Dimitrov, and world no. 17 Ben Shelton. Notably, Rafael Nadal’s return after his last appearance in 2017 adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. After a four-year hiatus from the ATP Tour, the tournament, commencing on December 31st, positions itself to deliver unparalleled tennis excitement.