World No.14 Patty Schnyder will be headlining the Moorilla Hobart International in January.
Schnyder will be returning to the Apple Isle where in 1998 she walked away as champion.
Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts said today, “It will be fantastic to welcome Patty back to our event. She would have to be one of the most consistent players over a number of years on the Tour. Having spent 8 years in the world’s top 20 highlights she is a class player ”
Schnyder has made the 4th round or better an astounding 21 times at Grand Slams; this includes quarter finals at both the French Open and US Open in 2008. She has amassed almost USD$7.5 million in prizemoney.
Schnyder would have fond memories of Hobart. The first title of her career here in 1998 kick started Schnyder’s breakthrough year on the Sony Ericsson WTA tour. By the end of that year she had recorded five tour singles titles and made her top 10 debut.
In 2009 she will be hoping the tournament can once again catapult her into the world top 10 and provide her with the perfect preparation as the lead in to the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.
Work is currently underway at the Domain Tennis Centre with new Plexicushion courts being laid in preparation for the January event.
“The new courts will bring the tennis centre into line with the rest of the AO Series events and will provide all players with the best opportunity to prepare for the Australian Open, on the same courts, in a similar climate.
“With five of the current top 10 women having played in Hobart the tournament has the reputation of showcasing the stars of our game,” Roberts said.
“We pride ourselves on presenting a boutique event that provides spectators and players with a great atmosphere and some of the best views in world tennis.”
The full player line-up, to be released at the start of December, is sure to provide a spectacular week of entertainment for Tasmanian tennis fans.