Sydney International play to start early

The start of play for the Sydney International on Tuesday has been brought forward two hours as organisers try to catch up a rain-affected schedule.

Sydney International tennis officials have announced Tuesday's start of play has been brought forward by two hours to 1pm (AEDT).

With the first two days of play being affected by rain and intermittent showers forecast for the rest of the week, the decision was taken to adjust the start of the schedule and add an extra match on the showcourt Ken Rosewall Arena.

Australian pair Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic will be two of the biggest drawcards on Tuesday.

Wimbledon quarter-finalist Kyrgios is in action against Polish world No.42 Jerzy Janowicz, with Tomic facing the Kazakhstan qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin who beat Queensland's John-Patrick Smith to reach the first round.