Wimbledon 2010 junior finalist and Gold Coast local Ben Mitchell has been awarded a wildcard into the Brisbane International.
Mitchell said he is looking forward to starting his year in front of a home crowd and playing his first main draw at an ATP event.
“Obviously it means a lot to get a wildcard into the Brisbane International,” Mitchell said.
“It is my home town tournament, being from the Gold Coast, I train in Brisbane at the Queensland Tennis Centre all the time and to have my first ATP event in my home state on these courts is pretty special.
“I have all types of emotions and nerves going on at the moment but I know I have been given a wildcard into the event because selectors think I can win some matches so I am ready to go.
“I can’t wait to get out on court and play in front of all my family and friends next week. It is a dream come true.
“I just wanted to thank everyone who has given me this opportunity.”
Tournament Director Cameron Pearson is happy to have another Queenslander in the draw.
“Ben has had a terrific 12 months and really deserves this opportunity,” Pearson said.
“I am happy that selectors have given this wildcard to another Queenslander and it will be great to see him in the main draw alongside fellow Australians Bernard Tomic, Matt Ebden and Marinko Matosevic.”
Mitchell’s wildcard announcement coincides with Ebden’s elevation to the main draw today. This leaves one men’s wildcard still to be announced.
Ebden moves into the main draw following the withdrawal of James Blake, Donald Young and Kevin Anderson.
Both Blake and Young withdrew due to personal reasons, while Anderson has a knee injury. Blake will also miss the Australian Open.
Ricardo Mello of Brazil and Adrian Mannarino have also moved into the main draw.