Tsonga, Gasquet Headline Sydney Field

Written by: Staff on 6th December 2012

Tsonga, Gasquet Headline Sydney Field

epa03462454 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France returns to Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic during their match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, Britain, 07 November 2012. EPA/KERIM OKTEN |

The brightest stars of world tennis are headed to Sydney in January with Apia International Sydney tournament organisers today announcing nine top 10 players are set to compete for the prestigious titles.

The outstanding line-up for the January 6 to 12 event includes seven Top 10 women, two Top 10 men and three previous Sydney champions.

The men’s draw boasts two Top 10 stars in French pair World No. 8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and No. 10 Richard Gasquet.

The cut-off for the men’s draw is inside the world’s Top 50 and includes big-serving American John Isner [14], popular Spaniard Fernando Verdasco [24] and new Australian No. 1 and World No. 49 Marinko Matosevic.

“I am excited and proud to be a direct entry into the Sydney event in January,” Matosevic said.

“The tournament always attracts a really strong field and this time is no different with players like Tsonga and Gasquet competing in Sydney. I’m looking forward to competing well there and trying to get as many matches under my belt before the Australian Open.”

Matosevic, a 2012 Newcombe Medal finalist, moved from outside the world’s Top 200 to a position in the Top 50 in 2012 and was voted Most Improved Player of the Year by the ATP.

He reached his first ATP World Tour singles final this year at Delray Beach, going down to South African Kevin Anderson, also a confirmed starter for Sydney in 2013.

Adding to the French flavour of the field are 2011 champion and World No. 16 Gilles Simon, Jeremy Chardy and 2012 finalist Julien Benneteau.

Reigning champion Jarkko Nieminin, crowd favourite Feliciano Lopez and Czech Davis Cup hero Radek Stepanek are also signed on to challenge for the 2013 title.

Apia International Sydney tournament Craig Watson said the event has attracted one of its best ever fields.

“We are bringing together an incredible group of players to compete in Sydney next month,” Watson said.

“We are thrilled to have nine Top 10 players, Australia’s No.1 male and female and Grand Slam champions in the outstanding field.

“The 2013 tournament will offer fans a great opportunity to come and witness so many of the world’s best tennis players in action right here in Sydney.”

Official Apia International Sydney line-up (men)

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) No.8

Richard Gasquet (FRA) No.10

John Isner (USA) No.14

Gilles Simon (FRA) No.16

Andreas Seppi (ITA) No.23

Fernando Verdasco (ESP) No.24

Florian Mayer (GER) No.28

Radek Stepanek (CZE) No.31

Jeremy Chardy (FRA) No.32

Marcel Granollers (ESP) No.34

Julien Benneteau (FRA) No.35

Kevin Anderson (RSA) No.37

Feliciano Lopez (ESP) No.40

Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) No.41

Pablo Andujar (ESP) No.42

Denis Istomin (UZB) No.43

Fabio Fognini (ITA) No.45

Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) No.48

Marinko Matosevic (AUS) No.49

Apia International Sydney 2013, proudly supported by Apia in association with Destination NSW, Caltex and Sydney Olympic Park Authority, will take place at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from 6 to 12 January 2013.

Apia International Sydney single session tickets and series packages are now available.

Reserved stadium tickets start from $30.90 for adults and the popular $14.90 ground pass is back again in 2013.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or call 1300 888 104. For further tournament information please visit

www.apiainternational.com.au