Sydney hopes to lure Nadal

Medibank International Sydney tournament director Craig Watson is still hopeful that star Spaniard Rafael Nadal will play at next year's event.

Nadal, who is currently receiving treatment to a knee complaint, is yet to map out his schedule for 2009, but Watson has a spot for him at the Medibank International should the World No.1 decide to play.

"He has played here before and we know he likes the venue and the city," Watson said of Nadal.

"His management has not ruled it out and we know the people of Sydney would welcome him with open arms. Until they outline their plans we are going to keep asking."

Watson is also chasing in-form Scottish youngster Andy Murray for the tournament that will run from January 11-17 at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre and will provide players with valuable practice ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne later that month.

"Murray is one of the form players in the world. He has stepped it up a notch this year and he has a terrific all round game," Watson said.

"On his day he is the equal of any. He would be a terrific addition to our field."

With Australian No.1 Lleyton Hewitt already committed to the event, Watson knows that the inclusion of Nadal and Murray would give the tournament a world class line-up.

"We have a terrific men's field with the likes of Hewitt, (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga, (David) Nalbandian, (Tommy) Robredo and Co, but Nadal and Murray would bolster any field in the world," Watson said.

"We may be an outside chance, but as long as we are a chance I am going after them."