The 2023 edition of the Kooyong Classic is nearly here, as players gear up for the Australian Open.
Unfortunately, the event will be without world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who has withdrawn from the tournament and the Australian Open through injury.
There will still be plenty for the home crowd to look forward to, however, with Australian player Alex de Minaur to contest the annual tournament at the 'Spiritual Home of Australian Tennis'.
The Sporting News takes you through the key details for the upcoming Kooyong Classic.
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When is the Kooyong Classic 2023?
The 2023 edition of the Kooyong Classic will take place from Tuesday, January 10 to Thursday, January 12.
This scheduling means that the tournament will wrap up four days before the start of the Australian Open, which will 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 2023 players
Eight top 50 players - including three Grand Slam winners - will fine tune their preparations for the Australian Open at Kooyong.
Alex de Minaur will head into the event following 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 |
| 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 |
How to watch the Kooyong Classic 2023
The Kooyong Classic will be broadcast live on SBS and streamed via SBS On Demand between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm (AEDT) on each day of the event.
For fans based overseas, the tournament will be distributed by Media Pro Asia.
Kooyong Classic 2023 tickets
Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketek or the tournament's official website.
Full Australian 2023 summer of tennis schedule
| Date | Event | Location |
| Dec 29 - Jan 4 | United Cup group stage | Brisbane, Perth and 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 |