'THERE'S DEBATE': PM THROWS VICTORIA BACK IN THE MIX TO HOST TENNIS AT 2032 OLYMPICS

(Getty/Matt Jelonek)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has weighed in on Queensland's ability to host tennis events at the 2032 Olympic Games, casting doubt despite the state receiving increased funding.

At the end of March, Tennis Queensland announced that the state's Tennis Centre, currently home to the Brisbane International, would undergo an upgrade. 

"We are thrilled to have received this support, which not only demonstrates the government’s confidence in tennis but also reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a global hub for sports excellence," Tennis Queensland CEO Cameron Pearson said earlier this year.

"This funding will enable us to enhance our facilities, develop our athletes and coaches, and continue to drive the growth of tennis at all levels."

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However, Albanese has thrown a new spanner in the works, questioning the need to use taxpayer funds to build new facilities when Melbourne Park is already established.

"I've been meeting with Andrew Liveris (2032 Organising Committee President) as well as with the Queensland Premier (David) Crisafulli about where it goes," he told the Two Good Sports podcast, hosted by Georgie Tunny and Abbey Gelmi.

"There's a debate over tennis and what's needed there in Brisbane. (Melbourne) have pretty good tennis facilities."

The recently re-elected Australian leader also added that "it might be that you just can't do everything in one spot" and that a proper discussion is "legitimate".

Pearson downplayed Albanese's comments with a strong response.

"The Premier confirmed in March that Olympic and Paralympic tennis will be played in Brisbane, and we've had productive discussions since," he said.

A Queensland government spokesperson also defended the state's plans for the highly anticipated 2023 Games.

"We are working with all levels of government to implement the 2032 Games Delivery Plan, which will see Rowing in Rockhampton and Tennis played at the upgraded Queensland Tennis Centre."

In response, a spokesperson associated with the Albanese government warned that the plan should require a "common sense approach".

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