Great Britain’s Laura Robson and Heather Watson are heading to Tasmania to play the Moorilla Hobart International, when the main draw gets underway from 6 January 2013.
Current world No.53 Robson, who won a mixed doubles silver medal with partner and US Open champion Andy Murray at the London 2012 Olympic Games, will contest the tournament for the first time.
The former Wimbledon junior champion reached her first WTA final in Guangzhou, China in September after reaching the fourth round of the US Open earlier this year. In New York, Robson defeated former No.1 Kim Clijsters in her last professional match as well as Li Na of China, her best result at a Grand Slam and the first top 10 win of her career.
“There have been a few great moments this past year; making the Olympic team and coming away with a silver medal in the mixed doubles was a very special moment for me and gave me the extra bit of confidence that helped me play some of my best tennis at the US Open,” said Robson after she received the WTA’s Newcomer of the Year award in November.
In the last six months of the year 18-year-old Robson has risen from world No.113 to as high as world No.52.
“2012 has been a very enjoyable year for me and I look forward to building on the progress that I have made in 2012 and the season ahead,” added Robson.
For Watson, this will be her second appearance at the Moorilla Hobart International.
“I’m very excited to be returning to Hobart in 2013 and I am looking forward to improving on my results there this year when I entered as a qualifier,” said Watson, the current world No.49.
“It is a great event, the facilities are first class and it will be great preparation for the Australian Open.”
20-year-old Watson had some stellar results during 2012 which saw her become the first female British player to win a WTA title in 24 years.
The right-hander clinched her first title in Osaka, Japan and made her top 50 debut in October.
The British duo will join a host of top female tennis talent already confirmed for the event including Francesca Schiavone, Sorana Cirstea, Su-Wei Hsieh, Yaroslava Shvedova, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and defending champion Mona Barthel.
Mark Handley, Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director said today’s player signings highlight the strength of the field for 2013.
“We are bringing together a strong group of players to compete in Hobart next month,” said Handley.
“The tournament is thrilled to have both Robson and Watson. The local community is guaranteed an unforgettable opportunity to see the world’s best tennis players compete.”
Moorilla Hobart International Kids Tennis Day
Back for a second year will be the Moorilla Hobart International Kids Tennis Day which will swing into action on Sunday 6 January 2013. Entry for children is free for those 15 years and under with activities starting from 10am.
“It’s a great fun family day out with lots of activities for the kids,” said Handley.
“Children can play MLC Tennis Hot Shots, have a go at the speed serve, try the jumping castle and have their faces painted while enjoying some top tennis action.
“We want to give kids the opportunity have some fun on court and think about the sport.”
Moorilla Hobart International 2013 series packages and single sessions are on sale now with ticket prices starting from $8.90.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. For further tournament information visit www.hobartinternational.com.au.