Former world No.5 Eugenie Bouchard will compete in the 2016 Hobart International.
Tasmanian tennis fans are in for a treat when the 21-year-old Canadian superstar makes her debut at the 23rd edition of the tournament.
In 2014 at age 19, Bouchard made her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. She went on to win her first WTA title at Nurnberg before reaching the final four at the French Open.
In the same year, she reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon becoming the first Canadian – male or female – to do so in history and made her debut in the world’s top 10. The right-hander finished 2014 with a spot at the end of season WTA Finals in Singapore.
In 2015 Bouchard was named the most marketable athlete in the world before injury ended an up-and-down season.
“I want to start my 2016 season strongly and am hoping to get high quality matches in Hobart. The tournament is played on the same surface as the Australian Open and will help me prepare for Melbourne,” Bouchard said.
“I’ve had great success in Australia in the past and can’t wait to experience a new city.
“I’ve heard Hobart is beautiful and hope to have some time to explore and meet my fans there.”
Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley said the tournament would be perfect preparation for the world No.49 ahead of her Australian Open 2016 campaign.
“We are delighted to welcome Eugenie to the Hobart International and her star power will be a treat for Tasmanian tennis fans,” he said.
“I know she is looking forward to preparing for the first Grand Slam of the year and soaking up the scenery Hobart has to offer.”
The tournament, at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, begins on January 10.
Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.