Monika Wejnert has been awarded the final wildcard into qualifying for the Moorilla Hobart International today.
Wejnert, who defeated Jelena Dokic in the round-robin stage of the Australian Open Play-off in 2008, has received the wildcard after solid performances throughout 2009.
The 17 year old won the Optus 18s Australian Championship at Melbourne Park in December and reached the quarterfinal stage of the Australian Open Play-off after finishing top of her pool in the round-robin stage.
“Monika has proven she has the ability to perform under pressure at the last two Australian Open Play-offs and has a fighting quality that will be well suited for competition in Hobart,” Fed Cup Captain and national selector David Taylor said.
“She has shown amazing potential and this wildcard will provide her with another great opportunity to gain top level playing experience,” Taylor said.
Making her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour debut at the Brisbane International in January last year, Wejnert reached a career-high ranking of 329 in December.
Her ability to push highly-ranked opponents, as well as her captivating smile whenever she hits a ball means she will be a crowd pulling addition to the Moorilla Hobart International qualifying line-up.
“I’ve seen a lot of players that make interesting faces out on court but Monika’s smile is definitely one to remember; it makes her playing look effortless,” Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts said.
“She has had a good first year on the tour and her fighting spirit will put her in good stead to hopefully progress into the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International,” Roberts said.
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.