After missing most of 2009 with a shoulder injury, Casey Dellacqua will make her WTA Tour comeback at the Brisbane International after receiving the final women’s wildcard today.
Joining Justine Henin and Alicia Molik, as the third and final wildcard recipient in Brisbane, all three will be keen to make an impression this January in the lead up to the Australian Open.
Fed Cup coach and national selector David Taylor said “Casey has really proven herself this month with her win over Olivia Rogowska in the Wildcard Play-off.
“She is a deserving recipient of the Brisbane International wildcard and will be looking to get some tough match play in the lead up to the Australian Open,” Taylor said.
“The Brisbane International will provide her with the high level games she needs to keep improving her form and after a tough year with injury she will be keen to take advantage of every opportunity given to her.
“Casey has worked hard to get herself back out there playing again and she will be a strong competitor in Brisbane.”
Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said it is great to have another quality Australian player join the already strong women’s line-up in Brisbane.
“Casey is a former No.39 player and made the fourth round of Australian Open 2008,” Ayles said.
“She is a strong competitor who never gives up and will challenge any player she draws in Brisbane.
“She will no doubt be a crowd favourite at the tournament and it will be great to see her come up against the likes of Kim Clijsters and Ana Ivanovic.
“I am very excited to have some of Australia’s best women, Dellacqua, Molik and Jelena Dokic, competing in Brisbane in 2010. They all have the potential to take out the first title of the year.”
Dellacqua will make her Grand Slam comeback at Australian Open 2010 after winning six consecutive matches at the Wildcard Play-off beating top seed Rogowska, 1-6 7-6(9) 6-3.
Three men’s wildcards for the Brisbane International are still to be announced.
The remaining men’s wildcards will join world No.6 Andy Roddick , reigning champion Radek Stepanek, fellow Czech Tomas Berdych, Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet, and crowd favourites James Blake and Marcos Baghdatis in the men’s draw.
Brisbane International 2010 series packages and single sessions are on sale now.
Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1–2 January 2010 remaining free.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.