SYDNEY, November 3, 2018 (Press Release)

Two of the brightest rising stars in men’s tennis Kyle Edmund and Stefanos Tsitsipas are set to thrill fans at the Sydney International in January.

Edmund and Tsitsipas have enjoyed breakthrough seasons in 2018, both winning their maiden ATP singles titles and receiving ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’ nominations for the ATP World Tour Awards.  

Edmund made an impressive start to the year, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open and the final at Marrakech in April before claiming his first career title at the European Open in Antwerp in October. He ascended to a career-high ranking of No.14 as a result. 

Prior to Australian Open 2018, Edmund had not progressed beyond the fourth round at a Grand Slam, but his improved serve, volley, and mentality, combined with a venomous forehand, have seen his self-belief grow alongside his ability to close out big matches.

“I made a great start in Australia this year, so I’m looking forward to getting back there with my team and hitting the ground running in 2019,” said British No.1 Edmund, who will make his second trip to Sydney.

“I enjoy the conditions in Sydney and the tournament is very well organised. I will be looking to do my best there, and get in the best possible preparation for the Australian Open.” 

Tsitsipas, one of the most intriguing characters currently competing on the ATP World Tour, has made a meteoric rise up the rankings in 2018, improving from No.91 at the start of the year to a career-high of No.15 in August. 

The 20-year-old, who had just four tour-level wins to his name prior to 2018, reached finals at Toronto and Barcelona before claiming the Stockholm Open to become the first Greek player in history to win an ATP title. 

Set to compete as the top seed at next week’s Next Generation ATP Finals in Milan, Tsitsipas said, “I’m looking forward to my first visit to Sydney and being part of what’s shaping up to be a very interesting draw.

“I’ve heard that the Sydney International has a fantastic contingent of Greek fans and I can’t wait to play in front of them at Olympic Park in January.”

Tournament Director Lawrence Robertson said he was excited to announce Edmund and Tsitsipas for Sydney International 2019.

“Both Kyle and Stefanos have enjoyed breakthrough seasons on the ATP Tour this year,” Robertson said. 

“Kyle came to the attention of the tennis world with his impressive run to the semifinals at the Australian Open, and by clinching his first ATP title recently in Antwerp.

“His forehand is one of the most feared on the tour and he is now reaching levels in the sport that his hard work and talent deserve.

“Stefanos has quickly established himself at the very top of the game. At only 20 years of age, he has already proven himself alongside the very best, defeating four top 10 players in four days to reach the final in Toronto, and following that up with his first title in Stockholm.

“I have no doubt that Stefanos is destined for the top, and urge anyone who wants to see the future of men’s tennis to join us at Sydney Olympic Park in January,” Robertson added.

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