Spanish drawcard Rafael Nadal will take to the practice courts at Queensland Tennis Centre on Monday night and fans can watch the two-hour session for free.
The new Free After Five initiative will get off to a spectacular start, with Nadal set to take to practice Court 10 from 6pm-8pm to fine tune his game ahead of his first-round match against tricky Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Fresh from his victory at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, where he defeated Belgian David Goffin on Saturday night, Nadal revealed he was determined to continue his comeback from injury and put on a show for the Brisbane fans.
“I was very happy with my performance (in Abu Dhabi) and it gives me some positive energy to take into the new year,” the 14-time grand slam champion said.
“I played three matches against three top players, and to win against these kind of players is not possible if you’re not playing well. So these three victories were really positive news. It was also pleasing to see that when I’m able to hit my forehand with confidence, the matches are going the way I want them to.
“I have worked a lot to try to put myself in a position to be competitive again and to try to make the fans enjoy my tennis again, so I will do my best to make that happen.”
As well as the chance to get up close to Nadal, spectators taking advantage of the Free After Five initiative can also experience some world-class entertainment in the Racquet Club, and catch some of the first-round matches being played on the outside courts.
Tickets will also be available to purchase for Pat Rafter Arena, where home hero Ash Barty will play her first-round match, followed by seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov against Steve Johnson.
Free After Five passes, which can be collected at the gates and are restricted to the capacity of Queensland Tennis Centre, will be available after 5pm every night of the week, starting from Monday, January 2.
You can also tune in to our Facebook page to watch Nadal practise live.
Tickets to all sessions are on sale now via Ticketek.