Sydney's Biggest Stage
Sydney,16 October 2008
Tennis Australia

Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is set to become the city's biggest stage
in 2009.

Tennis officials today announced plans for next year's Medibank International
Sydney including a world-class playing field and a ramped-up entertainment
schedule.

The new theme was unveiled during a special launch at the Entertainment
Quarter at Moore Park, with organisers promising the event will be bigger and
better than ever.

“The Medibank International Sydney has always been a showpiece, not just in
Australian tennis but in world tennis,” Tournament Director Craig Watson
said today.

“We have four 2008 grand slam finalists in our field, including charismatic
Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and US Open Champion Serena
Williams, who will be returning to Sydney after a five year absence.”

Players already confirmed for the event are:

‧ The world's top three women and the Olympic gold medallist: Jelena
Jankovic, Dinara Safina, Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva
‧ Some of the top men: Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga,
Tommy Robredo, and Richard Gasquet.

Watson indicated he would continue to announce world-class players in the
next few months, and promised great value at next year's event.

“In 2009 we are offering what we believe is one of the best value sporting
tickets there is – a Ground Pass for just $9.90,” he said.

Other announcements included:

‧ Major sponsor Medibank Private has re-signed with the event for another
three years
‧ The event will feature the 21st Century line-calling system Hawk-eye for
the first time
‧ A brand new interactive live site on the precinct
‧ Lunchtime and twilight concerts
‧ Improved spectator and corporate hospitality facilities.

The Medibank International Sydney dates back to 1885 and is one of the oldest
tournaments in the world. Medibank Private has been a sponsor since 2005 and
has extended its sponsorship through to 2011.

Commenting on the sponsorship extension, Medibank Private Managing Director
George Savvides said he is proud of the fund's association with the event.

“Medibank Private has been supporting the Medibank International Sydney for
four years now, and we have seen it grow to become an important highlight in
the Australian sporting calendar.

“We believe that this event promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
through participation in physical activity, and encourages everyone,
particularly the young, to live healthy and active lifestyles,” Mr Savvides
said.

Tickets to the Medibank International Sydney are on sale now through Ticketek.

The Medibank International Sydney will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis
Centre from Sunday 11 to Saturday 17 January, 2009.

The Medibank International Sydney is part of the Australian Open Series and
will showcase world-class tennis and entertainment on Sydney's biggest stage.