Rising Australian talent Storm Sanders has been awarded a Hobart International 2014 main draw singles wildcard.
The 19 year-old Queenslander takes fellow Australian Ashleigh Barty’s spot in the draw, who has withdrawn with injury.
Sanders, who played qualifying at the Brisbane International last week, will be making her first main draw appearance in a WTA tournament.
“I was pretty excited when I heard the news. Obviously Ash (Barty) couldn’t play because she got injured. It’s my first event playing main draw and I’m so happy that I was given this opportunity,” Sanders said.
“I’ve played here two years ago in qualifying. I feel confident on these courts and I can’t wait to play.”
Sanders had a breakthrough year in 2013, in April she was chosen as an ‘orange girl’ in the Australian Fed Cup squad and by August was ranked high enough to enter US Open qualifying.
“When I got into US Open qualifying I received messages from the girls, they have been really supportive. I am good friends with Ash and she’s really happy that I was given the wildcard,” Sanders said.
Hobart International tournament director Mark Handley said Sanders was a deserving wildcard recipient.
“We are thrilled that another Australian is in the main draw of the Hobart International,” Handley said.
“Storm had a great 2013 where she won her first ITF title in Launceston and moved 400 places up the WTA rankings. Unfortunately injury took her off the court for three months at the end of 2013, but we hope this opportunity sets her up for another successful year on court.”
Sanders joins fellow Australians Samantha Stosur and Casey Dellacqua in the main draw.
Qualifying matches for the tournament begin tomorrow, with main draw matches set to start from Sunday.
> Tickets for the event are still on sale and can be purchased online at ticketek.com.au.