Tennis top guns Serena Williams Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt have all agreed to play in next years Brisbane international.

The tournament was officially launched today.

Martyna Kulczyk reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Brisbane International, held annually at the Queensland Tennis Centre, is a crowd favourite winning the best fan experience award for the past two years.

Cameron Pearson, Tournament Director: “The fans want to come out and watch the best players, we aim to bring the best players to town. Serena’s obviously that on the women’s side – she’s number one in the world. People want to come see the best and they see people like Serena and that’s a great result.”

Last year’s tournament had 90,000 spectators and generated nearly $4million into Brisbane’s economy.

Pearson says the announcement today of world-number-one player Williams and Aussie Hewitt, will only draw more crowds.

Cameron Pearson, Tournament Director: “I think they really enjoy the fans – the fans enjoy the best players playing and it’s a great combination. Brisbane’s a great city anyway and January in Brisbane’s a fantastic place to be.”

Earlier this year, world champion Roger Federer was confirmed to play at the tournament.

The tournaments major drawcard, Federer, spent a lengthy 302 weeks at number one, and says he’s ready for his next win right here at the Tennis Centre.

The three players have won a combined 36 Grand Slams, but Federer is tipped as the crowd favourite.

Vox 1: “Definitely Roger. Even though he’s not number one any more – I love him, I think he’s the best.”

Vox 2: “I go Lleyton cause he’s Australian, but I like Serena Williams as well.”

Vox 3: “Well our family’s a Federer supporter, he’s our favourite player.”

Australia’s number one player, Bernard Tomic, is not in the 2014 Brisbane International line-up.

His father, John Tomic, was today banned from attending the Australian Open next year.

Martyna Kulczyk, QUT News.