Victorian teenagers Sally Peers and Marija Mirkovic have been awarded wildcards into the Moorilla Hobart International in January.
The wildcards follow solid performances by both Peers and Mirkovic throughout the year and at the Australian Open Play-off last month.
“Sally and Marija have progressed onto the women’s circuit in 2009 and had some very promising results,” Fed Cup Captain and National Selector, David Taylor said.
“They performed strongly at the Australian Open Play-off against some of Australia’s top female players and these wildcards will give them a great opportunity to contest an international event and gain further experience against tough world class opponents,” Taylor said.
Peers made her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour debut at the Moorilla Hobart International in January this year, going down in straight sets to eventual champion Petra Kivotva (CZE).
Using the experienced gained to kick start the next chapter in her career, Peers moved off the juniors circuit and onto the women’s circuit in 2009 contesting ITF events across the world.
On the Australian Pro Tour the 18-year-old reached the final of the Northern Territory Tennis International and the quarterfinals of the Gold Fields St Ives Tennis International in Kalgoorlie, defeated on both occasions by former world No.8 Alicia Molik.
At the December Showdown in January she finished runner up in the Optus 18s Australian Championship to Monika Wejnert (Qld).
“Sally has had a good year on the women’s circuit since playing in Hobart 12 months ago and playing at the Moorilla Hobart International will provide her with the chance to continue her development as she moves into the next phase of her career,” Michael Roberts, Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director, said.
Mirkovic has been playing senior-level ITF tournaments since 2005; however 2009 was her first full season on the women’s circuit.
Playing her first Sony Ericsson WTA events in January at Sydney and Hobart, Mirkovic was one match away from reaching the main draw of the Australian Open falling in the final round of qualifying.
Performing strongly at ITF tournaments internationally she reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Europe in May and June, reaching a career-high singles ranking of 276 in July.
“Marija will be a tough opponent for all the women contesting Moorilla Hobart International qualifying this month,” Roberts said.
“She has made significant headway on the women’s ITF circuit this year and the experience at WTA level will be a great way for her to kick start 2010.”
Peers and Mirkovic will be hoping to join fellow Australian’s Jelena Dokic (NSW), Alicia Molik (SA) and Olivia Rogowska (Vic) in the main draw.
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 www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.