Last year’s finalist Monica Niculescu and former champion Heather Watson begin their quest to qualify for Hobart International 2018 tomorrow.
World No.78-ranked Niculescu, who is hoping to earn an eighth Hobart International main draw appearance, plays Australian wildcard Alison Bai in the first round of qualifying.
“I’m always excited to be here,” Niculescu said.
“I want matches, it’s the beginning of the year that’s why you play these tournaments. I’d prefer to be in the main draw, but I need to play qualifying so that’s what I’m going to do.”
Watson, the world No.75, won the Hobart International title in 2015. The Brit, who is competing in Hobart for a fourth time and is the top seed in qualifying, has drawn Australian Kimberly Birrell.
The promising Birrell made her breakthrough at Hobart International 2016, winning her first WTA main draw singles match and reaching the doubles final. She missed last year’s event through injury.
Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, a former world No.13, begins her qualifying campaign against Australian wildcard Masa Jovanovic.
Croatian Jana Fett, who made the Hobart International semifinals as a qualifier last year, faces Slovakian Jana Cepelova.
Qualifying matches begin from 10am tomorrow. All adults and children can enter the Domain Tennis Centre for free as part of Kids Tennis Day, which runs from 10am to 12pm.