The Demon Arrives

As one of the first tournaments on the tennis calendar, the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club plays host to de Minaur, Alcaraz and other elite players looking to jump start their 2023 campaign. Leader of the Australian Davis Cup team, Sydney born de Minaur will be looking to take an early tournament win in the lead up to the Australian Open.

The 23-year-old, who was a quarterfinalist at the US Open in 2020, has already claimed six ATP Tour titles, including a recent triumph over a talented field in the Atlanta Open. The 'demon' as he's affectionately known by Australian tennis fans will be looking to take momentum from the tournament heading into the Australian Open.

"I am really looking forward to playing in the 2023 Kooyong Classic for the first time. It will be great to play at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, which has such a rich history,” de Minaur said.

“It should be the perfect final preparation for the Australian Open".

Top 4 Talent Set for Kooyong

Kooyong won't be playing host to just the Demon however, as one of Tennis' fastest rising stars Carlos Alcaraz also confirmed his attendance at the tournament running January 10-12.

At only 19 years old, Alcaraz has already reached world no. 4, putting him in the company of tennis greats like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who also achieved plaudits at a similar age.

Alcaraz also holds career victories over Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and current world no. 2 Alexander Zverev.

Demonstrating his exceptional all-around talent, the Spanish phenom claimed the Miami Masters on hard court in April and then the Madrid Masters just over one month later on clay.

Tournament officials are excited about the signing of these top young talents, with tournament director Peter Johnston giving comment on securing these stars.

"It’s massive for the event, after a 2-year break to have both 'The Demon' and Carlos joining the tournament for the first time,” Johnston said.

“On the back of winning his sixth title the ATP Event in Atlanta in July, (de Minaur) is back in the Top 20 and with virtually no ranking points to defend, he is looking to finish the year in the Top 10." Johnston added, ecstatic for the arrival of Australia's top ranked player.

“Meanwhile, at only 19 years of age, Alcaraz has had an incredible year already, reaching a ranking of world number 4 and winning four titles so far in Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Barcelona.” Johnston said on young Alcaraz.

With more elite players likely to sign on in the months to come, the Kooyong classic will be a key event in the lead up to next year's Australian Open, being so close to the grand slam itself.

Getting a good result at Kooyong could prime one of these young players for a deep run into the Australian Open as momentum can be so crucial during the high pressure Summer of Tennis.

Before you move on, why not give our Facebook page a like here. Or give our Twitter account a follow to keep up with our work here.