Federer to start 2014 season in Brisbane
In a bid to improve his Grand Slam hopes next year, Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer will begin his 2014 season at Australia's Brisbane International for the first time, tournament organizers said on Wednesday,
"I've always hoped that I could come there (to Brisbane), so I am happy we are all able to make it work," Federer said.
"I'm not just coming there for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it's also to win in Brisbane."
Andy Murray is the defending champion.
Federer, a 17-time major winner, has slumped to world number five in the rankings for the first time in a decade during a disappointing season.
The 31-year-old Basel native is the first player to be announced for the December 29th-January 5th hard-court tournament.
Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said it was a coup.
"Roger Federer is a global superstar and arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history," Pearson said.
"His attendance at this event will be a legacy for future generations."
Federer is hoping to reverse his 2013 fortunes at this week's clay court Swiss Open in Gstaad, the mountain resort in the canton of Bern.
He recently lost to world number 114, Argentine Federico Delbonis, during the semi-finals in Hamburg, a month after being knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round.
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"I've always hoped that I could come there (to Brisbane), so I am happy we are all able to make it work," Federer said.
"I'm not just coming there for the Australian Open, especially when I commit so early in advance, it's also to win in Brisbane."
Andy Murray is the defending champion.
Federer, a 17-time major winner, has slumped to world number five in the rankings for the first time in a decade during a disappointing season.
The 31-year-old Basel native is the first player to be announced for the December 29th-January 5th hard-court tournament.
Brisbane tournament director Cameron Pearson said it was a coup.
"Roger Federer is a global superstar and arguably the most accomplished tennis player in history," Pearson said.
"His attendance at this event will be a legacy for future generations."
Federer is hoping to reverse his 2013 fortunes at this week's clay court Swiss Open in Gstaad, the mountain resort in the canton of Bern.
He recently lost to world number 114, Argentine Federico Delbonis, during the semi-finals in Hamburg, a month after being knocked out of Wimbledon in the second round.
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