Seventeen-year-old Ashleigh Barty will play the Hobart International for the third consecutive time after she was awarded a wildcard today.
“It’s such an honour to be awarded a Hobart International wildcard. I really appreciate the opportunity,” said Barty, the current world No.188.
“This will be the third time I’ve played at the tournament, and I know I will face some tough opponents but I am looking forward to the challenge.”
“It is the perfect event for me to prepare for the Australian Open and I can’t wait to get down to Tasmania,” added Barty.
The former Junior Wimbledon champion has had a remarkable year, helping the Australian Fed Cup team retain their spot in the World Group by defeating Switzerland in April and securing her first Grand Slam main draw win at Roland Garros.
Barty also saw success on the doubles court finishing runner-up at three Grand Slams doubles events, the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open with partner Casey Dellacqua before reaching a career high singles ranking of 129 in September.
Last night Barty was named Female Junior Athlete of the Year at the Newcombe Medal, Australian Tennis Awards for the fourth time in a row.
Tournament Director Mark Handley is looking forward to welcoming Barty back to Hobart.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ash back in January. She is an exceptional young talent and her results this year have been a stand out,” said Handley.
“Ash is on a steady path as she moves to becoming a regular contender on the WTA tour, making the second round of two Grand Slams this year and going on to play doubles finals at three Grand Slams.
“We’re excited to see her join fellow Aussie Sam Stosur in the main draw, creating a strong Australian flavour for the fans,” continued Handley.
Barty will also join former world No.1 Venus Williams, defending champion Elena Vesnina, Italian great Flavia Pennetta and British No.1 Laura Robson in Tasmania in January.
The official field for Hobart International 2014 is as follows:
| Player | World ranking |
| Samantha Stosur (AUS) | 18 |
| Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) | 20 |
| Elena Vesnina (RUS) | 25 |
| Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS) | 26 |
| Flavia Pennetta (ITA) | 31 |
| Mona Barthel (GER) | 34 |
| Klara Zakopalova (CZE) | 35 |
| Bojana Jovanovski (SRB) | 36 |
| Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) | 37 |
| Karin Knapp (ITA) | 41 |
| Shuai Peng (CHN) | 42 |
| Laura Robson (GBR) | 44 |
| Elina Svitolina (UKR) | 45 |
| Marina Erakovic (NZL) | 46 |
| Venus Williams (USA) | 47 |
| Yvonne Meusburger (AUT) | 49 |
| Stefanie Voegele (SUI) | 50 |
| Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) | 51 |
| Shuai Zhang (CHN) | 52 |
| Jie Zheng (CHN) | 53 |
| Monica Puig (PUR) | 55 |
| Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) | 56 |
| Alison Riske (USA) | 57 |
| Ashleigh Barty (AUS) [WC] | 188 |
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
- 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