Known for showcasing many of the world\u2019s best alongside the next generation of global superstars, the combined ATP 125\u00a0 and WTA 125 tournament will offer an increased total prize pool of AUD $700,000 in 2026.<\/p>\n
Nishikori, a US Open finalist and Australian Open and French Open semifinalist, who holds 12 ATP singles titles, will compete in the qualifying draw.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to starting my season in Canberra, a city I\u2019ve never visited before but very much looking forward to visiting Australia\u2019s capital city,\u201d Nishikori said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have heard only great things about the event and with Fonseca winning last year, then I know it will be a strong field assembled for the event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goffin is the biggest name in the men\u2019s singles draw. Like Nishikori, he is a Grand Slam semifinalist and will return to Canberra for the second time.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m delighted to be heading back to Australia\u2019s capital city for the Workday Canberra International,\u201d Goffin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have fond memories from my last trip there in 2024 and I\u2019m looking forward to kicking off my 2026 season in such a great city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luca Nardi is the highest ranked player in the ATP Challenger draw. Nardi notched a breakthrough win over world No.1 Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells and has several ATP Challenger titles to his name.<\/p>\n
Four of the eight ATP Next Gen finalists, including Australian Open 2025 junior champion Alexander Blockx, Dino Prizmic, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and Justin Engel, will also compete in the men\u2019s competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The WTA 125 Challenger will see the likes of Swiss star Simona Waltert arrive in Canberra in career best form. She is a WTA doubles title winner and was part of the Swiss team that won the Billie Jean King Cup in 2022.<\/p>\n
Former top 50 Frenchwoman Diane Parry also returns to Canberra. Australians Destanee Aiava (Vic) and Alex Bolt (SA)\u00a0will also feature in both the main draw and qualifying.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tournament Director Lawrence Robertson is thrilled with playing field for 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce again, the field that will assemble here in January really demonstrates exactly what the Workday Canberra International is all about,\u201d Robertson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCanberra will host some of the games established stars, while showcasing the game\u2019s next generation of superstars underpinning our position as Canberra\u2019s premier summer sporting event.<\/p>\n
“The standout story last summer was Brazil\u2019s Joao Fonseca who arrived in Canberra fresh from winning the ATP Next Gen Finals and dominated the week without dropping a set. Fonseca now boasts a career-high ranking of 24. Following in his footsteps are four of the eight ATP Next Gen players, all aged under 20 and we can expect the same explosive, high quality tennis from this group.\u00a0 This is where the stars of tomorrow launch their careers, and we are lucky to witness it firsthand,\u201d Robertson continued.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tennis ACT CEO Mark La Brooy said, \u201cWe are proud to once again host the Workday Canberra International here in the nation\u2019s capital. The announcement of this world-class playing field really highlights what this event is all about.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage locals and visitors alike to come down and experience world-class tennis up close and personal. Fans can enjoy a wide range of local food and beverages throughout the week, while the Fan Zone will be buzzing with activity, including Pop Tennis and free tennis experiences for all ages.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe popular Kids Tennis Day will return on Thursday 8 January, following its hugely successful debut in 2025. And don\u2019t miss the 1 Point Slam during the tournament’s semifinals day on Friday 9 January. The winner will earn automatic entry into the AO\u2019s 1 Point Slam qualifying round in Melbourne with the ultimate chance to compete for $1 million.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Workday Canberra International is expected to generate $2 million in economic impact to the ACT and surrounding region. The event would not be made possible without the support from local partners and businesses, including the ACT Government, Events ACT, Workday and many more. The event is also made possible by a dedicated ballkid squad and volunteer workforce.<\/p>\n