South Australia is set for a smashing start to 2024, as Australian tennis legend Alicia Molik returns home to be the new Adelaide International Tournament Director, WTA 500 and ATP 250 event.
As a professional tennis player, Molik reached a career-high singles ranking of world Number 8 and a doubles ranking of world Number 6, and has represented Australia in many international sporting events including the Fed Cup tennis, Athens Olympics, multiple Grand Slams, and most recently Billie Jean King Cup captain.
The news comes as six additional players are confirmed to join the Adelaide International 2024 field. The tournament, from 8-13 January 2024, will feature more than 170 tennis players set to compete for a total prize pool of $2.5 million and world ranking points.
World No.4 Elena Rybakina will return as a fan favourite after playing in the Adelaide International 2 doubles final in 2023, before reaching the singles final at the Australian Open as well as Australia's Alexei Popyrin.
Adding to the women's line-up will be world No.15 Qinwen Zheng and world No.20 Caroline Garcia.
Also returning will be world ranked No.24 Sebastian Korda, after he reached the singles final of the Adelaide International 2023 during the first week, as well as Jack Draper who reached the semifinal at the Adelaide International 2.
Adelaide International goes beyond tennis this year, with the addition of an entertainment precinct taking over Pinky Flat. On the banks of the River Torrens, visitors will enjoy live entertainment, bars, and food trucks ahead of the night sessions.
The new hub will also host a family fun day to kick off the event on Monday, 8 January, offering tennis activities, as well as free admission to the tournament for children on the day.
The Adelaide International sets up back-to-back global sporting events, as the Santos Tour Down Under races across the state from 12 January 2024, before the Australia v West Indies Test Match at Adelaide Oval from 17 January 2024.
The Adelaide International is just another in the suite of international and national events which drive more than $430 million expenditure in South Australia.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said the appointment of South Australian Alicia Molik as Tournament Director is welcome news and has added to the excitement of seeing the return of world-class tennis with the Adelaide International this summer.
"Alicia Molik is a well-respected and accomplished tennis identity, who will bring her valuable experience home to The Drive's new state-of-the-art facilities. We cannot wait to share the $48 million redeveloped precinct with Alicia and the international players," Minister Bettison said.
"The Drive creates a special atmosphere and experience not only for the players, but also the fans, which this year includes the expanded event footprint to Pinky Flat - allowing us to welcome more visitors to our city for the international sporting event."
Incoming Adelaide International Tournament Director, Alicia Molik said she is looking forward to her next tennis chapter as part of the Adelaide International team.
"Tennis is part of my everyday DNA and to have the opportunity to be a part of a world class tennis event in the city where I grew up is really something special. This is a chance for me to give back to the community that supported me throughout my on-court career and still to this day," Ms Molik said.
"The last decade with the Australian Billie Jean King Cup team has prepared me for this next challenge. Working with players and their teams to understand how to provide the best competition experience is critical to the ongoing growth of the tournament and its success."
Tennis SA CEO and Adelaide International General Manager, Debbie Sterrey said the tournament is thrilled to welcome Molik home for this important role.
"Not only is Alicia a highly decorated and accomplished tennis player and leader, she is also an experienced sports administrator, bringing a unique player's perspective. We are looking forward to welcoming back a hometown hero of the sport who is recognised both for her on court and off court achievements," Ms Sterrey said.
"The Adelaide International is proudly supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission and will be held at The Drive from 8 to 13 January 2024."
2024 players already confirmed include:
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS)
Ajla Tomljanovic (Qld)
Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Qinwen Zhang (CHN)
Caroline Garcia (FRA)
Angelique Kerber (GER)
Sebastian Korda (USA)
Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)
Alexei Popyrin (AUS)
Jack Draper (GBR)
