Medibank International Sydney Tennis - Australian Open Series

More big names sign up for Sydney

Wednesday 26 November 2008 Comments

Defending men’s singles champion, Russian Dmitry Tursunov, and American journeyman Mardy Fish are the latest confirmed starters for the Medibank International Sydney in January.

Tursunov and Fish, ranked No. 22 and No.24 on the ATP Tour respectively, join four top 20 players in the event, including Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, David Nalbandian and Tomas Berdych.

Spainard Tommy Robredo, Frenchman Richard Gasquet and Australian Lleyton Hewitt are also confirmed to play at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from January 11 to 17.

Tournament Director Craig Watson is pleased with the addition of two more top 25 players to the men’s field.

“We are delighted that Dmitry will be returning to Sydney to defend his 2008 title. He displayed some outstanding and entertaining tennis in January this year and we look forward to welcoming him back,” commented Watson.

“Mardy too had a great year in 2008, reaching the quarter finals at the US Open and finishing runner up at Indian Wells where he beat Roger Federer. He has been a regular visitor to Sydney over the years and we know he enjoys the city and the event.”

Tursunov, who resides in California, won the 2008 Medibank International Sydney title on January 12 this year after defeating quality players such Stanislas Wawrinka, Gasquet, Sebastian Grosjean and Fabrice Santoro. He defeated Australia’s Chris Guccione in the final 7-6(3), 7-6(4).

In 2008, Tursunov also won in Metz and reached the final at Indianapolis. He has a career-high ranking of No.20 and has won over $2.8 million in prizemoney.

26-year-old Fish reached two finals in 2008, the ATP Masters Series event in Indian Wells and New Haven.

He also defeated countryman James Blake and Gael Monfils on his way to the quarter finals at the US Open where he went down to world number one Rafael Nadal in four sets. Fish has two career singles titles to his name and over $3 million in prizemoney.

The full men’s field for the Medibank International Sydney will be announced after the ATP Tour entry deadline on November 28.

Tickets are selling fast through Ticketek – 1300 888 104 or www.ticketek.com.au.

Tags: Craig Watson, Dmitry Tursunov, Mardy Fish

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