Anastasia Rodionova awarded final wildcard

Anastasia Rodionova has been awarded the final wildcard to the Moorilla Hobart International starting on Sunday 8 January.

The 29-year-old will contest the tournament in the main draw for the first time.

“I am very much looking forward to playing the tournament in Hobart. I was only expecting to start in qualies but to play in the main draw is even better,” she said.

“I’ll try to play my best and hope to do well in the lead up to the Australian Open. I want to thank the Tournament Director Mark Handley and Tennis Australia for this opportunity.“

In 2011 Rodionova was a quarterfinalist in Linz, she reached the third round at Roland Garros, the second round of four other WTA events and fell in round one at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open. In April she represented Australia in Fed Cup against the Ukraine.

The last time Rodionova played in Hobart was in 2005 where she lost to Lucie Safarova (CZE) in the first round of qualifying.

After awarding a wildcard in late December to Australian Open 2012 Play-off winner Ashleigh Barty Tournament Director Mark Handley was pleased to invite another Australian tennis star to Hobart.

“It’s great to have another Australian player in the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International. We hope she can use this tournament as a platform to perform well and kick start the new year.

“She along with the other Australian girls will have the support of the local fans urging them all on to take their season to the next level.“

Moorilla Hobart International 2012 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 Moorilla Hobart International 2012: