Roger Federer To Play Brisbane In Australian Open Warm Up

Written by: Staff on 24th July 2013

Swiss Open 2013 tennis tournament in Gstaad

Roger Federer To Play Brisbane In Australian Open Warm Up

epa03798565 Swiss tennis player Roger Federer stands next to his cow "Desiree" during a welcomes ceremony at the Suisse Open tennis tournament in Gstaad, Switzerland, 23 July 2013. EPA/PETER SCHNEIDER |

Roger Federer will make his debut at January’s Brisbane International pre-Australian Open event, with the Swiss continuing a shake-up of his schedule which began this month with surprise entries in Hamburg and this week at home in Gstaad.

The 31-year-old with a record 17 grand slam titles is preparing to make one of his earliest starts in Australia. “I’ve heard many great things from the other players, they say it’s a very friendly tournament, fan friendly, player friendly,” Federer said in a statement. “For some time we’ve been in contact with Brisbane and I saw how the tournament got stronger and stronger … and the connection with Pat Rafter, having the arena named after him I think is great.

“I’ve always hoped that I could come to Brisbane … so I’m happy we are all able to make it work. I’m not just coming to Australia for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it’s also to win in Brisbane.”

Federer’s usual start-of-season schedule over the past four years has comprised only playing at the Australian Open, which he has won four times.

Until 2010, he would often begin his Aussie tennis run a few days earlier, participating in the Kooyong invitational exhibition event in Melbourne.

The Brisbane tournament, formerly played in Adelaide, has been won by Andy Murray over the last two editions.

“Roger Federer is a global superstar and arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history. His attendance at this event will be a legacy for future generations,” said tournament director Cameron Pearson.

“We have been in discussions with Roger for some time and he has seen this tournament develop into one of the premier events in Australia. His attendance solidifies the quality of the Brisbane International and the appeal the tournament has.

“When Roger steps onto Pat Rafter Arena for the first time, it is going to be something special,” Pearson added.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Australian Open, Brisbane tennis news, Federer, Gstaad tennis news, Roger Federer, Sports

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July 24, 2013 at 7:56 am

Roger Federer To Play Brisbane In Australian Open Warm Up- http://t.co/npxtUxsm2f @rogerfederer @BleacherReport @BrisbaneTennis @FedererNews