Canberra’s Alison Bai and 21-year-old Zoe Hives (Ballarat, Vic) are Australian Open bound after securing a main draw Australian Open 2018 doubles wildcard after a strong performance in the Australian Pro Tour.
Alison Bai and Zoe Hives earned the wildcard after being the best-performing doubles pair at the $60,000 Apis Canberra International and Bendigo International ITF tournaments this month. The pair won the Bendigo International taking out the top three seeds on their way to the title.
“Zoe and Alison performed strongly at the Bendigo International and as part of their reward they have secured a prestigious main draw doubles wildcard to the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia’s Head of Women’s Tennis Nicole Pratt said.
“Both Zoe and Alison have put in the hard work this year and have earned this opportunity.
“The Australian Open is a highlight for all Aussie tennis players and fans alike, so it’s a great opportunity for them both to see how they perform on a global stage against some of the world’s best tennis players.”
It will be Bai’s fifth Australian Open, while Hives will be making her debut, with Bai looking forward to the opportunity.
“I’m super excited, this is going to be my third Australian Open in a row for doubles. It’s great to know early that we are guaranteed a spot into the Open. It give us great preparation and to get in a good mindset to do really well in January”.
“It’s always a dream to be able to play in your home Grand Slam and to be guaranteed a spot whether it be singles or doubles. The atmosphere is great and you’re amongst the best tennis players in the world and it gives you great motivation to see where you are at and see if you can take it to the best,” Bai added.
Bai is now waiting to hear if she will have the opportunity to play for a singles spot in the Australian Open 2018 Wildcard Play-off. Bai and Hives will then look to play some lead in events in early January as preparation for the Australian Open 2018.
Opportunities continue to emerge for Australian women’s tennis, with wildcards into Australian Open 2018 main draw to be awarded at Melbourne Park during the December Showdown to the 18-and-under Women’s winner and for the Australian Open 2018 Wildcard Play-off.
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