There are some big names in tennis coming to town for the Brisbane International.

The line-up for January 2012 was announced today.

Kira Donohue reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The Brisbane International line-up was announced today, and includes the likes of international stars Serena Wiliams, Ana Ivanovic and adopted- Aussie favourite, Kim Clijsters.

Sport Minister Phil Reeves says hosting such a large scale event in courts which were ravaged by the floods will confirm Queensland is ‘back in business’ not only on a national level, but a global one too.

Hon Phil Reeves, Sports Minister: “Less than 12 months since the disaster that hit tennis and two or three days after the last Brisbane International and we’re going to have a tournament of the highest quality right here in our own backyard.”

It was also revealed that the prize money will stand at $1 million, with plans to increase it to 1.5 next year.

Maria Sharapova and Aussie tennis stars Samantha Stosur and Bernard Tomic had previously been confirmed for the January line-up.

With Serena Williams now officially confirmed, it seems that the tennis star may get the chance to play out her revenge against rival Sam Stosur on the Aussie’s home soil.

The tournament, which is now in its fourth year, will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre from the first until the eighth of January next year.

The Socceroos have continued their flawless start to qualifying for the 2014 Brazil World Cup by defeating Oman 3-0 at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.

The team secured the win with goals from Brett Holman, Josh Kennedy and Mile Jedinak.

Lucas Neil, Socceroos Captain: “Yeah they weren’t easy but like the game the other night if we score early it wrecks all their plans so they have to change their tactics and we can allow for a comfortable game.”

They’re now practically guaranteed progression to the final phase of qualifying starting in June next year, and likely need only one point from their remaining three games.

Kira Donohue, QUT News.