TENN360 | THE FAN'S GUIDE TO THE TOUR
tennis is more than the score.
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL
Tour
ATP/WTA
Date of event
03-10 Jan 2027
Location
Brisbane
Surface
Hard outdoor
Singles Title
D Medvedev/A Sabalenka
Doubles Title
F Cabral L Miedler/S Hsieh J Ostapenko
Level
250/500
TENN360 INSIGHT:
This is where the tennis year starts to feel like summer.
The Brisbane International has a long history of welcoming some very big names, but its real charm is the setting: the Queensland Tennis Centre, the Australian sunshine and that unmistakable feeling that the season is about to begin properly.
It is a tournament where you can watch top-level tennis without losing the relaxed Australian atmosphere.
And then there is Brisbane itself.
Warm weather, riverside bars, good food and a city that seems rather happy to be outside.
For a January tennis trip, that is a pretty persuasive combination.
For Pat Rafter Arena, I'd choose a side-on seat relatively close to the court.
The arena gives you the atmosphere of a proper stadium without becoming so enormous that the players disappear into the distance.
Side-on is still my preference because you can see the whole court and really appreciate the speed of the ball.
But don't underestimate the other courts.
The Queensland Tennis Centre has several match and practice courts, and the smaller courts can offer a much more intimate experience.
If you find a good match happening there, I'd move.
Your ticket does not have to dictate your entire day.
Excellent.
This is one of Brisbane's strongest features.
The Queensland Tennis Centre has multiple match courts and dedicated practice courts, which means fans have plenty of opportunities to see players away from Pat Rafter Arena.
I'd arrive early and make practice part of your day.
The smaller courts are also worth exploring.
At a tournament like Brisbane, you have a much better chance of seeing players from relatively close range than you would at a huge stadium event.
And if you spot a big name practising, don't wander off just because you have a ticket for Centre Court later.
Stay.
You can always watch another match.
You can't always get that close to a top player.
I'd go if you want a relaxed way into the Australian tennis season.
Brisbane has a lovely balance.
You get an WTA 250, but you also get the feeling that you're at the beginning of something. Players are starting a new season, fans are enjoying their first proper tennis outing of the year and everyone is looking ahead to Melbourne.
I'd also go if you like watching players prepare for the Grand Slam season.
A good run in Brisbane can be the start of something much bigger a couple of weeks later.
And if you like sunshine, outdoor tennis and Australian hospitality?
Well, you're probably already packing.
I'd arrive early and stay late.
The Queensland Tennis Centre is a proper tennis complex, with multiple match courts and practice courts, so don't spend the whole day planted in Pat Rafter Arena.
Wander.
Watch a match you hadn't planned on seeing.
Check out practice.
Then come back for the big one.
I'd also make the most of the Australian summer.
Have a leisurely morning, watch the tennis in the afternoon and go somewhere nice for dinner afterwards.
And bring a water bottle.
Australia is not especially interested in whether you remembered to hydrate.
Oh yes.
This is Australian summer tennis.
The Queensland sun is not going to politely ask whether you are comfortable before getting to work.
If you're watching outdoor tennis during the day, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and plenty of water are essential.
I'd also look for shade whenever you can.
The good news is that Brisbane evenings are much kinder, so an evening session is particularly appealing.
You get the tennis without quite so much heat, and then the city is ready for you afterwards.
Much better than spending the evening looking like a lobster.
Very good.
The Queensland Tennis Centre is in Tennyson, around the southern side of Brisbane, and the tournament strongly encourages fans to use public transport.
During the event, valid Brisbane International tickets provide free travel on Queensland Rail trains and Translink buses, with shuttle buses operating from Rocklea and Corinda stations during the main draw.
There is no public parking at the tennis centre during the tournament, so I'd leave the car at home anyway.
The venue itself is straightforward once you arrive.
And that's exactly how I like my tennis transport:
Get on a train.
Get off near the tennis.
Watch some tennis.
Go home.
I'd skip it if you're looking for the intensity and scale of a Masters 1000.
This is an ATP and WTA 250.
The field can be excellent, but it won't have the same depth of top-ranked players as the biggest events.
I'd also skip it if you don't enjoy heat.
There is nowhere to hide from an Australian summer when you're sitting outside for several hours.
And if you're travelling solely to see one particular player, wait until the draw is confirmed before making your plans.
January tennis can be unpredictable.
Players are starting their seasons, and sometimes the person you were hoping to see decides that a little extra preparation sounds like a better idea.
Power in Numbers
32
Single Draws
5,500
Centre court seat
23
Courts