19 December 2013 | Tennis Queensland

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, one of the greatest players of all time, has today confirmed that he will start his 2014 season for the first time at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp.

“I’ve heard many great things from the other players, they say it’s a very friendly tournament, fan friendly, player friendly,” Federer said. “What else do you expect to be quite honest, in Australia you guys do great work.

“For some time we’ve been in contact with Brisbane [International] and I saw how the tournament got stronger and stronger … and the connection with Pat Rafter, him having the arena named after him I think is great.

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

R-Fed by the Numbers

• 900 career singles matches won as of 2 June 2013
• 77 singles titles
• 24 Grand Slam finals
• 17 Grand Slam titles
• Has spent over 10 years inside the world top 5
• ATP World Tour record of 302 weeks for the most weeks at world No.1

Federer was the first player to be announced for the 2014 tournament and Brisbane International Tournament Director and Tennis Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Pearson, is delighted he has chosen to begin his season in Brisbane.

“Roger Federer is a global superstar and arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history. 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 said.

“This is a great start to what is sure to be a fantastic field for the Brisbane International 2014, as Queensland continues to serve up high-calibre sporting events, boosting visitation to the state.”

Brisbane International 2014, presented by Suncorp and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane from 29 December 2013 to 5 January 2014.

Premium tickets are NOW on sale. Details on these tickets and licensed tour operators are available at www.brisbaneinternational.com.au/tickets.