Former world No.1 and three-time Australian Open champion Martina Hingis is set to play at Hobart International 2014 in a special exhibition match on Sunday 5 January.
The 33-year-old will be joined by fellow Swiss and current world No.1 junior Belinda Bencic for a friendly match on centre court at the Domain Tennis Centre
“I am very much looking forward to coming to Hobart,” said Hingis, who holds 43 WTA career singles titles including five Grand Slam titles.
“I have a lot of happy memories from down under and I am sure that my time in Hobart will be another one to add to the list.”
It will be Hingis’ first ever trip to Hobart: “I have been to many places in the world but have yet to come to Hobart. I have heard great things about the event and I look forward to being a part of a fun night of tennis there,” she added.
Hobart International Tournament Director, Mark Handley, is thrilled to welcome the Swiss tennis great to the island state and offer fans this value added opportunity.
“It’s an historical first for the event and we’re excited to welcome Martina to Tasmania for this special exhibition match.
“Martina is one of the most decorated female tennis players of all time, it will be her first visit to our great state and her first opportunity to play in front of her fans here.
“We will add Martina and Belinda’s ‘Master versus The Apprentice’ exhibition match to our schedule on Sunday 5 January with no extra cost to the normal price of admission,” he added.
Premier of Tasmania, The Hon. Lara Giddings, is excited Hingis is coming to town.
“Martina Hingis is one of the all-time greats in world tennis and to have her playing in Tasmania is an absolute coup for the Hobart International and a powerful drawcard for tennis fans,” Ms Giddings said.
“Many people, like me, who have watched the progression of Martina’s stellar career over the years probably never thought they would get the chance to see her playing on Tasmanian soil.
“The intimate setting of the Hobart International gives spectators a unique opportunity to get close to the action in a way that larger tournaments just cannot offer,” she continued.
In another plus for the event, Hingis will also be the Hobart International Kids Tennis Day ambassador and will open the day’s festivities on Saturday 4 January.
Hobart International will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 5-11 January 2014.
Hobart International 2014 tickets are on sale now from Ticketek. Tickets can be purchased:
· Online at ticketek.com.au
· Phone – call 1300 888 104 (Australia) or +613 9039 9407 (international)
Ticket prices start from:
· $20.00 for adults
· $10.00 for concession holders
· $5.00 for children 3-16 years