Often of limited interest, this week's Kooyong Classic has taken on major significance as an Australian Open fitness test for some of the biggest names in tennis.
World No.1 Rafael Nadal, six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and enigmatic Australian Bernard Tomic are all late additions -- opting to use the exhibition event to assess their readiness for a crack at the year's first grand slam starting next week.
Tournament director Peter Johnston had no hesitation in changing up the format for the event to accommodate the trio, welcoming the extra star power.
Having struggled to attract the stellar fields of yesteryear in recent times, the 30th edition of the classic now boasts five of the world's top 10 men, plus Djokovic, who has dropped to No.12 while out injured since he was forced to retire in his quarter-finals match at Wimbledon.
Having withdrawn from the Brisbane International, Nadal will play Kooyong for the first time in his long career and will be in opening day action on Tuesday, seeking reassurance about his knee injury recovery as he targets a second Australian Open title.
Djokovic will play two matches in a limited Kooyong campaign as he recovers from the elbow injury that has kept him out of action since July, having withdrawn from the Abu Dhabi event at New Year.
And in a further twist, former world No.17 Tomic will hit the court on Tuesday ahead of his scheduled appearance in Australian Open qualifying commencing on Wednesday after being denied a wildcard.
Nadal had successful practice hit outs in Melbourne on Friday and Saturday before confirming his Kooyong entry.
"Rafa was looking for matchplay and of course we were more than happy to oblige," Johnston said.
"The addition of both Novak and Rafa changes our schedule and the way we will run the four days but that's what Kooyong is all about. We are here to help the players get ready for the Open.
"It's shaping up as a great (30th) anniversary edition."
Joining Nadal, Djokovic and Tomic at Kooyong are world No.5 Dominic Thiem, No.6 Maric Cilic, No.7 David Goffin and No.10 Pablo Carreno Busta, plus last year's US Open finalist Kevin Anderson.
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