Victorian Olivia Rogowska will make her WTA Tour debut in January after she was today given a wildcard into the main draw of the 2009 Moorilla Hobart International.
Seventeen-year-old Rogowska will join international names such as Flavia Pennetta (ITA), Patty Schnyder (SUI), Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) and Francesca Schiavone (ITA) as well as fellow Australian Jessica Moore (WA).
“It is a fantastic opportunity for a young player like Olivia to make her debut on the Tour,” Michael Roberts, Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director, said.
Rogowska, a member of the victorious 2007 Optus Australian Junior Fed Cup team, improved her world ranking by more than 600 places in 2008, breaking into the top 400 and recording a career-high ranking of 363 this month.
As has been the case throughout her young career, she continued to play more senior than junior events and the investment paid off when she won the $25,000 Kia Wangarra Sorrento International.
Progressing to the women’s quarterfinals of the Australian Open wildcard play-off at Melbourne Park, Rogowska was defeated by eventual finalist Monika Wejnert 7-6(8) 7-6(3).
“Rogowska has earned the wildcard through her performances this year, notably the win in Sorrento and her effort in the AO Wildcard Play-off this month,” Roberts said.
“The Moorilla Hobart International is the next step in her career and I’m sure she will gain valuable experience from the event.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Moorilla Hobart International through Ticketek, with tickets starting at just $9.90.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104