Brisbane International adds more tennis stars to roster

GOLD COAST tennis champion, Samantha Stosur has confirmed she will start her 2019 campaign at her “home tournament” of the Brisbane International.

The 2011 US Open winner will join fellow Grand Slam title holders Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova and Sloane Stephens at the WTA Premier event from December 30.

The Queens Park junior was in Brisbane on Wednesday to make the announcement, explaining why she chooses the tournament to launch her season.

“I always love starting my season at the Brisbane International, especially because I can play in front of my family and friends,” Stosur said.

“Pat Rafter Arena is so intimate that I can clearly hear everyone cheering for me, it’s great.”

Stosur, who has nine WTA singles title under her belt, added another doubles trophy to her cabinet on the weekend when she combined with Shuai Zhang of China to win the Hong Kong Open.

Winners are grinners 😃 thank you to my amazing partner @zhangshuai121 it was so fun winning this title @hongkong_tennisopen with you #hongkongtennisopen #titletown #moretocome #holiday #letscelebrate pic.twitter.com/t7xIj4ujh2

— Samantha Stosur (@bambamsam30) October 14, 2018

Joining the strong female field, will be an equally impressive male contingent.

World No.1 Rafael Nadal the men’s draw, alongside Nick Kyrgios, Andy Murray, and hometown hero John Millman.

For the first time the tournament will stage both the women’s and men’s final in one blockbuster session on Sunday 6 January.