Tasmanian Alyssa Hibberd will make her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour debut in January with Tennis Australia awarding her a wildcard into Moorilla Hobart International qualifying.
The 17 year old has received the wildcard following some promising results on the national circuit over the past 12 months.
“It’s such a great opportunity, I’m really excited and looking forward to the challenge,” Hibberd said.
“I had a really good 18s (Optus 18s Australian Championships) and performed well in a couple of AMT’s in Brisbane so I’m looking forward to this next stage in my career.
“I felt like I was in top form when I played at Melbourne Park in December so hopefully I can carry that form through to qualifying here,” Hibberd said.
Hibberd, whose first experience at the event came as a ballkid, will be hoping to join fellow Australians Jelena Dokic, Alicia Molik and Olivia Rogowska in the main draw of the international tournament.
“Getting this opportunity means so much, I started off as a ballkid here and now I’m actually going to be out there playing. It’s just such a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to playing,” Hibberd said.
Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts said he is looking forward to watching Hibberd’s progress in the event.
“It is fantastic we are able to use the Moorilla Hobart International as part of our player development pathway and provide Tasmanian players with opportunities to gain valuable experience on the international tour,” Roberts said.
“Over the past few years Alyssa has worked behind the tournament desk so it will be great to see her move out on the court,” Roberts continued.
Ranked 86 in Australia for her age as of 30 November 2009, Hibbard finished the year strongly reaching the quarterfinals of AMT’s in Queensland and Melbourne. Earlier in the year she won the Tasmanian Easter Championships.
Playing at the Optus 18s Australian Championship as part of the December Showdown at Melbourne Park last month Hibberd finished top two in her round robin pool before being knocked out in the quarterfinals by Mia Vriens.
Tickets are now on sale for the Moorilla Hobart International through Ticketek, with tickets starting at just $9.90.
Tickets can be purchased online at ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.