NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO END SIX-MONTH INJURY HIATUS AT THE KOOYONG CLASSIC • FULL SCHEDULE • BUY TICKETS • GREAT DEALS • GREAT TENNIS

Written by: Staff on 3rd January 2018

NOVAK DJOKOVIC TO END SIX-MONTH INJURY HIATUS AT THE KOOYONG CLASSIC • FULL SCHEDULE • BUY TICKETS • GREAT DEALS • GREAT TENNIS |

Good morning from Kooyong. Photo by Caro Arthurs.

Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic will return to the court for his first competitive match in 181 days at the 2018 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic, as he looks to put a long-time elbow injury behind him.

An elite group of players from the world top ten will put on a show for fans in the 30th anniversary edition of the pre-Australian Open event commencing next Tuesday.

The men’s draw is led by defending two-time Kooyong champion David Goffin (Belgium) who made the final of the ATP Tour Finals after defeating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

Those wins took the Belgian to number seven in the ATP rankings, just behind world No. 5 and 2017 Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic (Croatia) and world No. 6 Dominic Thiem (Austria), who are also playing at Kooyong.

Pablo Carreno Busta ( also known as PABLO Carreno ) from Spain is the fourth top-ten man in the Kooyong draw, which also features big-serving South African Kevin Anderson who comes to Melbourne after making the final of the 2017 US Open.

The event also includes a women’s competition headed by Australian teenager Destanee Aiava and Switzerland’s former world number seven Belinda Bencic who is currently in action with Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup.

Djokovic will play two matches at Kooyong, as the 30-year-old does all he can to ready himself for the upcoming Australian Open, a tournament he has won five times in the last seven years after claiming his first crown at Melbourne Park in 2008.

The former world No. 1 recently withdrew from events in Abu Dhabi and Qatar to concentrate on rehabbing the right elbow that forced him to retire in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.

“Novak has obviously needed to change his schedule to give himself every chance to be 100 percent fit by day one of the Australian Open,” tournament director Peter Johnston said.

“Hopefully the two matches at Kooyong will provide the right preparation for him.

“It’s certainly going to be a real treat for the fans to welcome him back to the Kooyong Classic.”

Currently ranked No. 12 in the world, the Serbian will be more than keen to start 2018 without further injury problems after 2017 became the first year without him winning a major title since 2010.

His record at Melbourne Park is tremendous with three consecutive wins from 2011-13, joining Jack Crawford and Roy Emerson as they only players to notch a three-peat down under.

Djokovic is one of three members of tennis’ all-conquering Big Four, along with Roger Federer and Andy Murray, that have played at the historical venue that is celebrating its 30th anniversary since local legend Pat Cash won in 1988. Djokovic played in both the 2010 and 2014 Kooyong events.

2018 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic men’s field:

Player	Country	ATP Ranking
Marin Cilic	Croatia	5
Dominic Thiem	Austria	6
David Goffin	Belgium	7
Pablo Carreno Busta	Spain	10
Novak Djokovic	Serbia	12
Kevin Anderson	South Africa	14
Richard Gasquet	France	31
Yoshihito Nishioka	Japan	67
Matthew Ebden	Australia	76

2018 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic women’s draw:

Player	Country	Age	WTA Ranking	Highest Rank
Belinda Bencic	Switzerland	20	98	7
Andrea Petkovic	Germany	30	99	9
Destanee Aiava	Australia	17	154	147

Over the years, fans have enjoyed world-class tennis while being able to get up close to the stars of the show thanks to the intimate nature of the historical boutique venue.

That experience will be enhanced even further in 2018 with the grass outside courts at Kooyong transformed into the Kooyong Common fan zone – the perfect place to relax on a summer’s day.

“The 2018 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic is shaping up to be a ‘must see’ part of the Australian Summer of tennis in January,” Priceline Pharmacy CEO and Managing Director, Richard Vincent said.

“It’s a world class player field and we love to see that the women will again be part of the event.”

Ticketing Information

Premium packages and spectator tickets are on sale via kooyongclassic.com.au

Ticket prices start from $25.00 with kids 16 and under free.

2017 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic

Tuesday 9 – Friday 12 January 2018

Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, Glenferrie Road, Kooyong

Fans can engage with the tournament via the event’s social channels as follows:

www.instagram.com/kooyong_classic

www.facebook.com/KooyongClassic

www.twitter.com/KooyongClassic

The 2018 Priceline Pharmacy Kooyong Classic is proudly supported by principal partner, Priceline Pharmacy, with support from Agnew Wines. The Seven Network will broadcast all four days of Kooyong’s action right across Australia.

Topics: 10sballs, Kooyong Classic, Novak Djokovic, Tennis