Roger Federer Confirms To Play At Brisbane International In 2015

Roger Federer of Switzerland drinks before play was suspended due to rain in his match against Marcel Granollers of Spain at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, August 31, 2014. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine — Father-of-four Roger Federer isn’t often called hot, but his tennis accolades are more than enough to woe fans from all over the globe. He is a 17-time Grand Slam Champion and seeking his 18th Grand Slam title at the Open. He also speaks different languages, namely, English, Swiss, and Swiss German, fluently. He can also speak Italian, Spanish, and Swedish, conversationally. He is humble with victories and gracious in defeats. Federer eases through to the fourth round when he beat Marcel Granollers on Aug. 31. REUTERS

Roger Federer has confirmed that he will begin his 2015 tennis season at the Brisbane International. The third-ranked and 17-time Grand Slam champion Swiss athlete will return to Brisbane for a second shot at the title after finishing a runner-up to Aussie Lleyton Hewitt in 2014.

Federer made the announcement on his official website. Federer said that the Brisbane International is an important tournament for his calendar. He said he was happy to come back. Federer added that he was going to try to best that he can to win the tournament and enjoy his stay in the Queensland capital.

Federer made his debut at the Brisbane International in 2014. He played great tennis, which made him reach the finals, but lost to Hewitt in the finals of the tournament.

According to Federer, he has relished the experiences he had when he played in Brisbane for the first time. He said that he appreciated that people were pleasant and welcoming, not only to him but also to his entire family. He was contented with his performance because he was able to do well in singles and doubles' matches even if the venue was new to him.

Cameron Pearson, director of the Brisbane International Tournament, has reportedly said that Federer's return at Queensland was definitely an exhilarating news for local tennis fans. "Roger is a massive drawcard for the event and we look forward to seeing him return for another attempt at winning the Roy Emerson Trophy in January," Mr. Pearson said via the Brisbane International's website.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Hon. Jann Stuckey said that Federer's first appearance in Brisbane has engrossed more than 100,000 people and it has greatly impacted the state's economy.

The 2015 Brisbane International will be held from Jan. 4 to Jan. 11 in 2015 at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Federer last played at the 2014 US Open, where he lost in the semifinals to Marin Cilic. His bid for the seventh US Open title and 18^th Grand Slam title was crushed after losing to Cilic in three straight sets, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6. He admitted that it was an emotional loss for him, but he remains optimistic to play in his next match. Federer's next tournament is the Shanghai Rolex Masters that will take place from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12.