Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori will start the new season from Brisbane.

Naomi will go back to Brisbane after a couple of years. In fact, in 2017 that was the place she chose to commence the new season, but it was a different time, and the Japanese had to start from the qualifications.

[su_button url=”https://tennistonic.com/stats-players/?m=wta&pid=16430&years=2017&j=1&Naomi-Osaka” background=”#ef862d” size=”10″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” icon=”icon: newspaper-o”]See Naomi’s performance in 2017[/su_button]

2019 will be quite different since Naomi will be definitely seeded in Brisbane and she will be considered as one of the top favorites.

I had a lot of support from Australia. OSAKA

Naomi commented “Since winning the US Open, I’ve had lots of messages of support from Australia so it will be special to play at Pat Rafter Arena in January. I’m excited about starting my 2019 Australian season in Brisbane. I have been there before and have great memories of the city and playing there.”

From the organization

Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson commented

“To have Naomi return to Brisbane after her breakthrough Grand Slam victory is such a coup for the Brisbane International.

She won so many new fans by the way she played the US Open final and we know she will deliver more fantastic performances here in Queensland.”

Naomi will be joined by Kei Nishikori that likes playing in Brisbane where he was the runner-up in 2017.  Pearson commented: “Kei loves coming to Brisbane and has provided the fans with some memorable matches over the years. He has always had great results without winning the title, so perhaps 2019 will be Kei’s year.”

The tournament will take place between 31 December 2018 and 6 January 2019.