Bouchard, Barthel and Watson to compete during Free Family Weekend

Former world No.5 Eugenie Bouchard and past Hobart International champions Mona Barthel and Heather Watson will be among the players competing during the tournament’s Free Family Weekend in 2019.

The Free Family Weekend is a new initiative for 2019, running across the opening weekend of the tournament on Saturday 5 January and Sunday 6 January. It allows fans of all ages to watch qualifying matches without needing a ticket to enter the Domain Tennis Centre.

Bouchard, a Wimbledon 2014 finalist who is currently ranked world No.87, is returning to Hobart for the third time in the past four years. She reached the final on debut in 2016 and was a main draw wildcard entry in 2018.

Both Barthel and Watson have impressive records in Hobart International qualifying. World No.77-ranked Barthel, who is making her seventh visit to Hobart, created tournament history when she became the first qualifier to win the title in 2012. Watson, the Hobart International champion in 2015, will aim to better a 2018 semifinal run she made as a qualifier.

Madison Brengle, a Hobart International finalist in 2015, and Monica Niculescu, the tournament’s runner-up in 2017, will also contest qualifying along with former world No.1 juniors Taylor Townsend and Anastasia Potapova.

Players need to win two qualifying rounds to earn a main draw spot.

“This is one of the strongest qualifying fields we have ever had and it is exciting fans can watch these world-class athletes without needing to buy a ticket – as well as take advantage of the fun, family-friendly activities we have on site across our Family Weekend,” said Hobart International Tournament Director Darren Sturgess.

Activities on site for the Free Family Weekend include the opportunity to hit with the stars, play ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, face painting and live music entertainment.

The Hobart International takes place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 5-12 January 2019. World No.24 Mihaela Buzarnescu headlines a stellar main draw line-up that also includes former world No.7 Belinda Bencic and 2016 champion Alize Cornet.

> Take a look at full 2019 main draw

Tickets are available through Ticketek. All fans who purchase tickets before January also automatically enter the draw to win two tickets to the Australian Open 2019 men’s singles final.

2019 qualifying field (rankings as of 17 December 2018)