The world’s leading female tennis stars are set to compete at the 20th annual Moorilla Hobart International from 4-12 January 2013 after the tournament’s full field was revealed today.
Ten top 40 players will travel to Tasmania with world No.28 and 2011 semi finalist Klara Zakopalova (CZE), world No.34 Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP), world No.38 and young gun Sloane Stephens (USA) and world No.40 Shuai Peng (CHN) all confirming they will play the tournament in the lead-up to Australian Open 2013.
They join Grand Slam champion Francesca Schiavone (ITA), rising star Sui-Wei Hsieh (TPE), Sorana Cirstea (ROU), defending champion Mona Barthel (GER), golden set queen Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ), Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) and British duo Heather Watson (GBR) and Laura Robson (GBR), already announced.
Also making their way again to the Apple Isle will be former world No.16 and winner of 11 WTA singles and 18 doubles titles Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) and 2010 Wimbledon semi finalist Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL).
Romanian pair and 2012 Hobart doubles champions Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) and Monica Niculescu (ROU) will return, as will former world No.20 Alize Cornet (FRA).
Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley is looking forward to hosting this world class group of players in Tasmania.
“The depth and talent of the field this year is exceptional with Grand Slam champion Francesca Schiavone as well as our defending champion Mona Barthel amongst the playing group,” said Handley.
“The competition will be tough and will provide a wonderful opportunity for sporting fans of the state to see the world’s best play but also as they embark on their tennis careers in the lead up to the Australian Open.
“The tournament will celebrate 20 years in January and as much as the Moorilla Hobart International is set to be a dynamic spectacle of world class sport we are looking forward to engaging every demographic of the Tasmanian community to deliver a memorable event,“ he added.
Main draw for Moorilla Hobart International 2013:
| Player | Country | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Su-Wei Hsieh | TPE | 25 |
| Sorana Cirstea | ROU | 27 |
| Klara Zakopalova | CZE | 28 |
| Yaroslava Shvedova | KAZ | 29 |
| Carla Suarez Navarro | ESP | 34 |
| Francesca Schiavone | ITA | 35 |
| Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova | RUS | 36 |
| Sloane Stephens | USA | 38 |
| Mona Barthel | GER | 39 |
| Shuai Peng | CHN | 40 |
| Tsvetana Pironkova | BUL | 42 |
| Alize Cornet | FRA | 44 |
| Simona Halep | ROU | 47 |
| Lourdes Dominquez Lino | ESP | 48 |
| Heather Watson | GBR | 49 |
| Anabel Medina Garrigues | ESP | 50 |
| Irina-Camelia Begu | ROU | 52 |
| Laura Robson | GBR | 53 |
| Kirsten Flipkens | BEL | 54 |
| Petra Cetkovska | CZE | 55 |
| Bojana Jovanovski | SRB | 56 |
| Olga Govortsova | BLR | 57 |
| Monica Niculescu | ROU | 58 |
| Chanelle Scheepers | RSA | 60 |
| WC Ashleigh Barty | AUS | 175 |
| WC Jarmila Gajdosova | AUS | 184 |
Click here for more information on the main draw for Moorilla Hobart International 2013.
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 ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. For further tournament information visit hobartinternational.com.au.
Moorilla Hobart International 2013 will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 4 to 12 January 2013.