Star trio Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic and Samantha Stosur will headline the action at the Sydney International tennis tournament in January.

Officials on Thursday announced the three Australians as the first marquee entrants for the Australian Open lead-up event at Homebush from January 11-17.

Kyrgios, who swept past world No.1 Rafael Nadal to reach last year’s Wimbledon quarter-finals, will be making his debut at the tournament.

“I can’t wait to play in Sydney,” the popular 19-year-old said.

“I think the twilight sessions and the atmosphere it creates will suit my style of play.

“I’ve heard great things about Sydney fans and being so close to my home in Canberra, I’m looking forward to having that local support.

“I know many Australians have won here before and I’ll be doing my best to add my name to the trophy.”

Kyrgios has risen to No.55 in the world, just one spot behind Australian No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, a four-time champion in Sydney.

Tomic has slipped to 74th in the rankings following a lean 2014, but is back on the up after upsetting third-seeded world No.17 Kevin Anderson to storm into the quarter-finals of the Stockholm Open on Thursday.

Tomic also beat Anderson to land his maiden ATP title in Sydney in 2013 before losing this year’s final to Juan Martin del Potro.

Stosur, whose best result in Sydney was a runner-up showing in 2005, when she lost to fellow Australian Alicia Molik, has also regained form at the back end of the season.

The 2011 US Open champion has returned to the world’s top 20 following her successful title defence in Tokyo last weekend and is excited about completing her Australian Open preparations near her home base in Sydney.

“It’s a great tournament and I spend a bit of time there in December practising so I’m pretty used to the courts and the conditions,” Stosur said.

“It’s close to home and it’s a nice chance to play in Australia in front of a great crowd.”