Stern test for Australian youngsters in qualifying

8 January 2015, by Michael Beattie

Aussie teenager Naiktha Bains will face Sweden’s Johanna Larsson in the first match on Centre Court when the qualifying draw for the Hobart International commences on Friday.

The 17-year-old Queenslander lost to eventual singles champion Garbine Muguruza in the final round of qualifying a year ago, and faces another stern test a year on against the No.3 seed.

Of the four young Australians handed qualifying wildcards, three face seeds in the first round; Kimberly Birrell will take on Russian No.8 seed Vitalia Diatchenko, while Priscilla Hon will meet Belgium’s An-Sophie Mestach.

Perth’s Maddison Inglis faces Lin Zhu of China – should Inglis and Birrell both win and face off in the second round, one Australian will be guaranteed a shot at the main draw.

Qualifying matches for the Hobart International 2015 will kick off at 10am Friday 9 January at the Domain Tennis Centre. Entry is free.

Hobart International tickets remain at 2014 prices, starting at $20.00 for adults, $10.00 concession holders, and $5.00 for children 3-16 years. Get yours now via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.

> Women’s qualifying draw (PDF)
> Order of play: Friday 9 January (PDF)