Queenslander Storm Sanders will return to the site of her first WTA tour victory after being awarded a wildcard at the Hobart International.
Sanders joins top-ranked Casey Dellacqua, fellow wildcard Olivia Rogowska and Ajla Tomljanovic in the main draw as the home hopes look to make their mark at the Domain Tennis Centre ahead of the Australian Open.
Last year Sanders received a wildcard last into the main draw and won her first match on the WTA tour defeating China’s Shaui Peng before pushing No. 2 seed Kirsten Flipkins to three sets. Part of Australia’s winning Fed Cup tie in Hobart defeating Russia 4-0, Tasmania has certainly been a lucky charm for Storm.
A series of niggling injuries throughout the year forced Sanders to end her season in July to focus on getting her body back into shape. Having played some of her best tennis in Hobart, she is looking forward to the challenge in 2015.
“Coming back to Hobart feels like home to me, it’s where I’ve played some of my best tennis and I’ve got some great memories from there,” Sanders said.
“I feel very comfortable on the courts at Hobart and I’m really excited to get out there and see what happens.
“My goal is to return to the top 150 this year and for my body to remain injury free. I feel in great shape and I hope the results will come.”
Mark Handley, Hobart International Tournament Director is thrilled another Australian is set to feature in the main draw.
“It’s important we can give as many opportunities to our Australian players and the Hobart International is the perfect start to the tennis season.”
“It was great to see Storm post her first WTA win here in Hobart and I know she has the ability to test the other girls in the draw,” he said.
Sanders will join a strong field featuring former world No.5 Daniela Hantuchova, Australian Open semi-finalist Sloane Stephens, 2014 Hobart International finalist Klara Koukalova and 2012 champion Mona Barthel.