Safina to light up opening night

Former world No.1 and Australian Open 2009 runner-up Dinara Safina of Russia is set to headline the first night session of the Moorilla Hobart International on Monday 10 January.

Currently ranked No.63 in the world, Safina is one of the highest profile players to compete at the tournament and tennis fans in Tasmania will be hoping to see the star reclaim the form that saw her become the world’s No.1 female player in April 2009.

After an impressive season which saw her reach the finals of the Australian Open and French Open in the same year, Safina suffered a lower back injury in 2010 which forced her to retire from the fourth round of the Australian Open and withdraw from Wimbledon in June.  

Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts was pleased to announce the schedule for Safina’s opening round match as she prepares for the Australian Open.

“We wanted to give fans every opportunity to purchase tickets for Monday night’s session and see a former world No.1 such as Dinara Safina in action,” Roberts said.

“We’re excited to have a player like Dinara kick off the popular night sessions at the newly redeveloped Domain Tennis Centre – it’s going to be a great night.   

“Her opponent in the first round will be confirmed at the official draw on Saturday 8 January.”

Safina is expected to face strong competition from a host of the world’s leading female players, including top seed Marion Bartoli, rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and former tournament champions Anna Chakvetadze and Patty Schynder of Switzerland.

Joining the international stars will also be Australia’s No.2 ranked female tennis player Jarmila Groth, former world No.8 Alicia Molik and Australian Open Play-off winner Olivia Rogowska, who was defeated by Safina in a thrilling first round match at the US Open in 2009. 

Molik and Rogowska were both awarded wildcards to the Moorilla Hobart International, with a third and final wildcard to be announced this week.

Moorilla Hobart International 2011 series packages and single sessions are on sale now, with ticket prices starting from $9.90.

Tickets can be purchased online at ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. 

Main draw for 2011 Moorilla Hobart International: