World No.1's heading to Brisbane: Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina confirm first tournament of 2027

The World No.1's will be headlining the Brisbane International at the start of 2027, as Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina are already looking ahead to the next campaign with the hope of continuing their fine form. The event will take place from January 3-10.

Both players secured this breakthrough ranking accolade after what have been tremendous seasons. They each won two Grand Slam titles as they ploughed ahead of their rivals to top their respected tours.

Zverev has well and truly capitalised from the misfortunes from Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, but has done so brilliantly. Now surpassed 10,000 for the first time, he is in a rich vein of form. This momentum will come in handy when he returns to Australia at the start of 2027. Ahead of the Australian Open, he has chosen the Brisbane International as the event he will participate in.

This is a curious decision based off his recent start to a season. Zverev is always fond of a team environment and has represented Germany at the United Cup for a number of years. This time, that will not be the case.

“Brisbane is a great way for me to start the new season, and I’m thrilled to be returning for the first time since 2020,” Zverev said in a statement. “I really enjoyed playing there. Pat Rafter Arena is a great stadium, with packed crowds and passionate fans, the atmosphere is always fantastic.”

The ATP event is a 250, with the WTA being at 500 level. Rybakina has enjoyed these lavish rewards before, having won the 2024 edition, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the final. There is no question that she will once again be fighting in the business end of the competition, seeking the perfect preparation ahead of her Australian Open title defence.

It will be a third time she features in Brisbane. “I’m really looking forward to starting my season in Brisbane. Winning the title in 2024 was special, and it’s a tournament I love playing,” Rybakina said. “The crowds are awesome, as is the atmosphere. I can't wait to come back.”

For tennis fans in Brisbane, this is huge news. To have both World No.1's competing will surely bring in a lot of supporters and attention. For the tournament itself, Tournament Director Cameron Pearson was delighted to have them both on board.

“To have both the men’s and women’s world No.1s competing at the Brisbane International for the first time is a historic moment for the tournament and incredibly exciting for our fans,” he said. “Elena Rybakina and Alexander Zverev have each won two Grand Slam titles this year, the most of any player, and we’re thrilled they’ve chosen Brisbane to start their 2027 seasons. Elena knows what it takes to win here, having lifted the trophy in 2024, and we’re delighted to welcome her back following an outstanding year.

“It’s also fantastic to have Alexander returning to Brisbane for the first time since the ATP Cup in 2020. He’s had the best season of his career, and I can’t wait for fans to see him up close at Pat Rafter Arena as the world's No.1 male player. Today’s announcement is just the beginning. With tickets on sale today and many more exciting player announcements to come, the Brisbane International 2027 is shaping up to be the best yet.”

For the time being, there is still a lot more tennis to be played. Both competitors will already be tilting their heads towards the ATP Finals and WTA Finals on the horizon. Zverev is still competing in the Shanghai Masters, with a semi-final against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina set to commence soon. He will then headline the tournaments in Vienna and Paris before seeking a third ATP Finals crown. Rybakina withdrew from the Wuhan Open after a disastrous Beijing campaign. She is set to feature in the WTA 500 tournaments in Ningbo and Tokyo before her title defence at Indian Wells begins.