{"id":30255,"date":"2023-12-01T05:09:06","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T05:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/sabalenka-to-play-in-brisbane-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-12-01T05:09:06","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T05:09:06","slug":"sabalenka-to-play-in-brisbane-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/sabalenka-to-play-in-brisbane-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Sabalenka to play in Brisbane | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nSYDNEY:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aryna Sabalenka will launch preparations for the defence of her Australian Open<\/a> crown by playing at the Brisbane International, organisers said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Elena Rybakina \u2013 beaten by Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne at the start of this year \u2013 will also play at the December 31-January 7 Brisbane event.<\/p>\n

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka<\/a> was already named in the field as she returns to tennis.<\/p>\n

“I’m excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane,” world number two Sabalenka said in a statement released by organisers.<\/p>\n

“Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there.”<\/p>\n

Tournament director Cam Pearson said he was looking forward to welcoming the Belarusian Sabalenka and Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina, who is fourth in the world.<\/p>\n

“We all remember the exciting Australian Open final the girls played at the start of the year,” he told a news conference.<\/p>\n

“That has really kicked off what is a pretty exciting rivalry between the two players.”<\/p>\n

On the men’s side, fast-rising world number 17 Ben Shelton of the United States will join a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray.<\/p>\n

Pearson said he would welcome Australian Nick Kyrgios<\/a> to the tournament if he recovers from injury in time.<\/p>\n

“We would love to have him here, he’s a past champion and a fan favourite but he needs to do what’s best for him and his recovery,” he said.<\/p>\n

“If that means he’s playing in January, fantastic.”<\/p>\n

Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and then aborted comeback plans at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n