Play starts on Sunday and a cast of global tennis players have been bussed in ahead of the week of tennis action.

Bendigo is hosting one of the first events on the summer of tennis calendar as players prepare for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

A record 17 tournaments are being staged ahead of the Open.

Katarzyna Kawa (WTA Ranking 155) leads the Main Draw list for the Bendigo International, along with Aliona Bolsova (WTA Ranking 157) and Cristina Bucsa (WTA Ranking 161), both hailing from Spain.

Aussie hopes include West Australian Talia Gibson, a rising star with a wildcard entry.

On the Men's side, Nikola Milojevix (ATP Ranking 138) of Serbia and Turkey's Cem lkel (ATP Ranking 144) are the top seeds heading into Bendigo.

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley was pleased to see tennis back in regional Victoria.

"It's incredibly important to have the world's best players competing across the country, inspiring the next generation of players and growing interest and excitement in our sport," he said.

"It's also fantastic to bring tennis back to regional Victoria, where I know the local communities of Bendigo and Traralgon will welcome these global events with open arms."

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