Medibank International Sydney Tennis - Australian Open Series

Hewitt chasing fifth title in Sydney

Thursday 15 October 2009 Comments

French showman Gael Monfils and perennial Aussie favourite Lleyton Hewitt are the first male players to be confirmed for Medibank International Sydney 2010.

Tournament Director Craig Watson today announced that the enigmatic Frenchman will head to Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre in January to prepare for his Australian Open campaign.

“It will be my first time in Sydney. I have never been there before and have heard a lot of good things about the city and the event, so I am really looking forward to coming to Sydney next year,” Monfils said.

“I’ve heard there is a great atmosphere in Sydney and the people are very friendly, so I am excited about playing there.”

At today’s launch, Watson was thrilled with the inclusion of the 23- year old Frenchman in the January 10 to 16 event.

“Gael is one of the most dynamic, unique and entertaining players on the ATP World Tour,” Watson said.

“His athleticism, crowd interaction and famous ‘slides’ will be a real treat for the Sydney fans. I would encourage all sports lovers to get out to the event and catch him in action; he is a true entertainer in the tennis world and is developing as one of tennis’s great showmen.”

Currently ranked No.14, Monfils reached a career-high ranking of No.9 in March this year.

Coached by Australian Roger Rasheed, Monfils won his second career ATP World Tour title in Metz in September. He was also a finalist at Acapulco earlier this year.

Monfils’ best Grand Slam result in 2009 at Roland Garros, defeating Andy Roddick in the fourth round before falling to eventual champion Roger Federer in the quarter finals.

He was also a semifinalist at Roland Garros in 2008 and reached the fourth round at the Australian Open and US Open this year.

Australian No. 1 Hewitt, a four-time champion of the Medibank International Sydney said the event is one of his favourites on the ATP World Tour.

“It’s a fantastic tournament, really well run and I love playing out there at Sydney Olympic Park,” Hewitt said.

“I’ve played some really great matches there over the years and for me it really is the best preparation heading into the Australian Open.”

Currently world No. 23, Hewitt lost to eventual champion David Nalbandian in the quarterfinals last year and said the event gave him a lot of confidence heading into the new tennis season.

“It was a really strong event and really kick-started the year for me. I get great support out there on Ken Rosewall Arena and it would be nice to get a fifth title in January next year,” Hewitt said.

After an injury-plagued end to the 2008 season, Hewitt has fought back to be inside the world’s top 30 and produced some great results, including a title in Houston in April.

Hewitt also reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, falling to Andy Roddick in a marathon five set match.

Also confirmed in the men’s field for Medibank International Sydney 2010 is Czech star and Davis Cup hero Tomas Berdych and Swiss Stan Wawrinka.

More players and crowd favourites will be announced before entries close at the end of November.

Tickets to the Medibank International Sydney 2010 are on sale now through Ticketek and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.

The Medibank International Sydney will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from Sunday 10 January to Saturday 16 January 2010.

Tags: Gael Monfils, Lleyton Hewitt, Stan Wawrinka, Tomas Berdych

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