The tournament last ran in 2019 because of the pandemic and last year it was changed to a group stage of the United Cup tennis tournament.

With Government financial support the tournament will have $3.1 million in prize money and include 180 players.

Sports Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was terrific to see the return of the event.

“Tennis fans love this blockbuster event, as much as the players love playing at Pat Rafter Arena,” he said.

“The event will also serve up a win for good Queensland jobs, with thousands of fans travelling to Brisbane from interstate and contributing $10 million to the visitor economy.

“This summer of tennis promises to be a winner for tennis fans and for Queensland.”

The tournament has previously included some of the world’s best players including the current holder of the women’s title Karolína Plíšková. The last men’s title was won by Kei Nishikori, of Japan after he beat Daniil Medvedev.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Brisbane International was a grand slam get for the city.

“Our city continues to be the number one choice for international sporting events, and residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to live sport in Brisbane,” he said.

“With the tournament kicking off Australia’s summer of tennis, the eight days of action will be a boon to Brisbane’s local economy with hospitality, tourism and accommodation providers feeling the love from tennis fans across the nation.”

The tournament will run from New Year’s Eve to January 7 in the run-up to the Australian Open.