Photo: Getty Images/Sarah Stier
The line-up for the Health Care Insurance Burnie International Tennis Tournament, which starts on Sunday, January 28th, is shaping up as one of the best in the event’s 22-year history, with prizemoney totalling $280,000 up for grabs.
Defending men’s champion and world number 71 Rinky Hijikata, who was part of the men’s double winning team at last year’s Australian Open, will be returning to defend his crown.
In what will be a very strong men’s field, Aussie Davis Cup representative and world number 80 Thanasi Kokkinakis will also be in action, dubbed one half of the “Special K” doubles combination with Nick Kyrgios, who won the doubles at the Australian Open in 2022.
The Burnie Tennis Club will host two consecutive World Tour Challenger tournaments back to back, with women’s week two winner last year Jaimee Fourlis and 2020 winner Maddison Inglis both confirmed entries.
Meanwhile, a smaller, but lucrative lead-up tournament started on Wednesday in Devonport, with men’s and women’s singles draws in the Signature 20k Tasmanian Championships.
