Ajla Tomljanovic and Jarmila Gajdosova have received an early Christmas gift, with the pair today awarded wildcards into Brisbane International 2015 presented by Suncorp.
The duo will join a strong field in action at Queensland Tennis Centre next month, with eight of the world’s top 20 female players – including Grand Slam champions Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Ana Ivanovic and Sam Stosur – set to compete.
Twenty-one-year-old Tomljanovic will make her Brisbane International debut just months after relocating to the Sunshine State.
“I’m excited to have been awarded a wildcard into Brisbane International and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to play in front of my home crowd in Brisbane for the first time,” said the world No.62.
“It’s always extra exciting to play the first tournament of the year and I am very eager to get 2015 off to a strong start. Brisbane is a fantastic event and the competition is always tough, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”
World No.71 Gajdosova will return to Brisbane for her fourth tilt at the Evonne Goolagong Trophy after a stellar year on tour.
“I’m thrilled to have been awarded a wildcard into Brisbane International and it’s a great reward for my hard work in 2014,” she said.
“I love the Brisbane event and can’t think of a better way to start the new season. There are lots of great players coming to Brisbane again this year and hopefully the Queensland tennis fans come out and show their support for all the Aussies in the draw.”
Gajdosova, 27, commenced the year ranked No.238 and dipped as low as No.334 in March before storming back inside the world’s top 70 with wins at ITF events in Nottingham and Vancouver. Since early June she has built an impressive 29-9 win-loss record on tour, and was last month nominated for the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year.
Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said the two wildcard entrants were key additions to the women’s field.
“Ajla and Jarka are two players who are in great form and will be keen to continue their run of strong results in Brisbane,” he said.
“We’re excited to see Ajla compete at the event in front of her home crowd for the first time, and we look forward to welcoming Jarka back to the tournament for the first time since 2013.
“Brisbane International is just around the corner now and we’re thrilled with the line-up of players set to compete. Tennis fans can certainly expect a great week of tennis once the tournament gets under way on 4 January.”
Recipients of the men’s wildcards will be announced in the coming days.
Brisbane International 2015, presented by Suncorp and supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, will be held at Queensland Tennis Centre from 4 to 11 January.
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.