Sally Peers awarded final wildcard

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sally Peers has been awarded the final wildcard to the 2011 Moorilla Hobart International.

Currently ranked No.154 in the world, Peers enjoyed her breakthrough season in 2010 when she claimed a bronze medal in singles and gold medal in doubles at the Commonwealth Games, and reached the second round of the US Open after defeating world No.54 Aleksandra Wozniak of Canada.

After making her WTA Tour debut at the Moorilla Hobart International in 2009, Peers was excited to be returning for her second main draw appearance at the tournament.

“I expected to play in the qualifying rounds so I’m looking forward to entering the main draw and keeping up my good form,” Peers said.

“It’s such a quality field of players – to be here once again is a great honour and I will try to play the best I can. Hopefully next year I can directly enter the main draw.”

Peers also received a wildcard to this year’s Brisbane International and enjoyed her second win against a top 100 player by defeating world No.25 Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) in the first round.

After awarding a wildcard last week to Australian Open Play-off winner Olivia Rogowska, Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts was pleased to invite another rising star in Australian tennis to Hobart.

“Sally performed exceptionally well last year with success locally on the ITF Pro Tour as well as abroad at the Commonwealth Games and the US Open” said Roberts.

“She’s already had a great start to the year and will have the support of fans as she looks to continue playing well and take her season to the next level in Hobart.”

The young Victorian is expected to face strong competition from a host of the world’s leading female players, including top seed Marion Bartoli (FRA), rising star Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS), and former world No.1 and Australian Open 2009 runner-up Dinara Safina of Russia.

Peers will also be joined by fellow Australians Jarmila Groth, former world No.8 Alicia Molik and Rogowska.

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 www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.

Main draw for 2011 Moorilla Hobart International: