Australian Casey Dellacqua has been awarded a wildcard into the Hobart International.
The left-handed Western Australia is set to join one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the event, including Australia’s No.1 and world No.18 Sam Stosur, former world No.1 Venus Williams, defending champion and world No.25 Elena Vesnina and Britain’s No.1 Laura Robson.
“I’m really excited to be coming back to Hobart and I appreciate the opportunity,” Dellacqua said today.
“It’s a fantastic event – this will be my fifth time – and is great preparation for the Australian Open. There will be some really tough competition and those are the matches you need going into a slam. The Domain Tennis Centre is a beautiful venue, the Tassie crowds are terrific and I really enjoy playing there.”
“Casey is a fan favourite and it will be great to welcome her back to the Hobart International,” Tournament Director Mark Handley said.
“She’s in terrific form after winning back-to-back Pro Tour events in Bendigo, then the Australian Open Play-off and she’ll be keen to continue her ranking rise in Hobart. It will also be exciting to see her in doubles action with Ash Barty.”
Dellacqua and Barty reached three Grand Slam doubles finals in 2013, the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open, and although both remain focused on their singles careers, are looking forward to continuing their success on the doubles court.
Dellacqua, along with Barty, were in line for the prestigious Newcombe Medal at the recent Australian Tennis Awards, the first doubles team to feature in the nominations.