After a three-year absence, the Kooyong Classic returns to the Australian summer of tennis with one of its greatest fields.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz will finalise his Australian Open preparations, while the Australian crowd will be excited to see Alex de Minaur on the courts.
The Sporting News explains everything you need to know about the exhibition event.
When is the Kooyong Classic?
The first edition of the Kooyong Classic since 2020 will be played from Tuesday, January 10 to Thursday, January 12.
It will conclude four days before the Australian Open singles begin on Monday, January 16.
Where is the Kooyong Classic played?
The annual tournament is held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, located in the Melbourne suburb of Kooyong.
A 20-minute drive from the city’s CBD, the main stadium has an approximate capacity of 5,000.
This year’s Kooyong Classic will be the first held at the newly revamped club, after an $18 million redevelopment.
Kooyong Classic field
Nine top 50 players, including three Grand Slam winners, will fine tune their preparations for the Australian Open at Kooyong.
The headline act is undoubtedly teenage world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from winning the US Open and reaching the ATP rankings summit.
His popularity will be challenged by Australian No.2 and crowd favourite Alex de Minaur, who secured a mighty victory over Rafael Nadal at the United Cup.
Grand slam winning veterans Andy Murray and Marin Cilic provide the experience in the field alongside Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
While four talents that are aspiring to win majors – Taylor Fritz, Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe and Borna Coric – will thrill the crowds.
Kooyong Classic – Men’s field 2023
| Rank | Player | Country |
| 1 | Carlos Alcaraz | ESP |
| 9 | Taylor Fritz | USA |
| 15 | Jannik Sinner | ITA |
| 17 | Marin Cilic | CRO |
| 19 | Frances Tiafoe | USA |
| 24 | Alex de Minaur | AUS |
| 26 | Borna Coric | CRO |
| 28 | Grigor Dimitrov | BUL |
| 49 | Andy Murray | GBR |
Kooyong Classic – Women’s field 2023
Yet to be announced.
Kooyong Classic draw, schedule and results
The draw and schedule for the tournament will be released the day before it commences on Monday, January 9.
All three days will see play commence at 11:00am AEST.
There will be a minimum of three matches and maximum of four matches scheduled each day.
Kooyong Classic format
At previous editions, eight players are scheduled into four first round matches, with the four winners advancing to the semifinals, then two winners to the final, with the winner crowned.
The four losers in the first round are relegated to a playoff draw.
Before the final, matches are played to determine the third and fourth places, fifth and six places and seventh and eight places.
In 2023, there are currently nine men booked to play instead of eight meaning there could be a change in format.
How to watch the Kooyong Classic
In Australia, SBS will broadcast the Kooyong Classic with coverage starting at 11:00am and concluding at 5:00pm each day.
Buy Kooyong Classic tickets
Tickets for the Kooyong Classic are available via Ticketek.
General admission tickets start for adults at $35, with kids under 16 able to enter for free alongside a paying adult.
Full Australian 2023 summer of tennis schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
| Dec 29 – Jan 4 | United Cup group stage | Brisbane, Perth, Sydney |
| Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Adelaide International 1 | Adelaide |
| Jan 1 – Jan 8 | Canberra International | Canberra |
| Jan 6 – Jan 8 | United Cup final four | Sydney |
| Jan 9 – Jan 14 | Adelaide International 2 | Adelaide |
| Jan 9 – Jan 12 | Aus Open qualifying | Melbourne |
| Jan 9 – Jan 14 | Hobart International | Hobart |
| Jan 10 – Jan 12 | Kooyong Classic | Melbourne |
| Jan 10 – Jan 14 | Victorian Wheelchair Tennis Open | Melbourne |
| Jan 13 – Jan 18 | Traralgon Juniors | Traralgon |
| Jan 16 – Jan 20 | Melbourne Wheelchair Open | Melbourne |
| Jan 16 – Jan 29 | Australian Open | Melbourne |