Perth, 31 July 2012 | tennis.com.au

Australia’s Bernard Tomic is set to join Serbian superstars and former world No.1 players Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic at the Hyundai Hopman Cup, the first to be staged in the city centre at the spectacular new Perth Arena.

“I can’t wait to play against the top players in the world and get guaranteed three matches of a high standard … something great before the Australian Open,” said 19-year-old Tomic, the world No.49 who plans to draw on his Davis Cup experience for the unique ITF mixed team event.

“I think where Davis Cup has helped me … is playing the doubles and singles a lot in practice and the opportunity to play mixed doubles is something new for me … I can’t wait to get on the court and help  Australia win,” Tomic said.

> Watch interviews with Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic and Bernard Tomic

Hyundai Hopman Cup Event Director Steve Ayles announced Tomic and Team Serbia – reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic  – as the first players confirmed for the 2013 event.

“I’m very pleased to announce that world No.2 and current holder of two of the four Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic, will return to Perth for 2013, partnering world No.12, Ana Ivanovic,” Steve Ayles said.

“Novak loves this event – he’s coming back for the third time in the past five years – and he’s very excited about the new venue and getting the best possible preparation for the Australian Open.

“I love the competition there,” Novak Djokovic said.

“I love the atmosphere … you have lots of great players taking part in the tournament so it’s great preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year.  I’ve reached the finals on two previous occasions so I sincerely hope that now this time, with Ana, we can actually win a trophy,” Djokovic continued.

“I’m very excited to be back, I’ve played it twice and I loved it and I’m always excited to go back,” Ana Ivanovic said.

You can play mixed doubles which is kind of relaxing and fun and you get to hang out with other players so it’s a great way to start the year. I always love it and I’m sure it’s gonna be even more spectacular having it in the city centre,” Ivanovic continued.

Following the player announcements Ayles, along with Deputy Event Director Paul Kilderry, joined Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Tourism Dr Kim Hames and Minister for Sport and Recreation Terry Waldron courtside at the new Perth Arena.

“The Western Australian government has done a fantastic job with this state of the art Arena and it promises to be a spectacular stage for the 25th anniversary [of the] Hyundai Hopman Cup.

“For the first time Hopman Cup will truly replicate Grand Slam playing conditions, making it even more attractive to the world’s best players. Importantly, our spectators will also enjoy unprecedented comforts within the stadium, adding to the enjoyment of the world-class tennis.

“We are excited at the prospect of working with the WA government through Tourism WA and Eventscorp, the City of Perth and Tennis West to grow not just Hopman Cup the event, but the interest and participation in our great sport of tennis right across the state.”

The Hyundai Hopman Cup will take place at the new Perth Arena from Saturday 29 December 2012 to Saturday 5 January 2013.