Hobart, 15 November 2010 | tennis.com.au

Australia’s No.2 ranked female tennis player Jarmila Groth will prepare for the Australian Open by competing for the first time in the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International next January.

Groth, who is currently ranked No.42 in the world, is enjoying a breakthrough season in 2010 with fourth round appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as her first career WTA Tour singles title.

Her success this year was rewarded with her highest ever ranking of No.41 in September, and she is now in contention to be a member of the Australian Fed Cup Team for its World Group first-round tie against Italy in Hobart next February.

Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Michael Roberts was excited to welcome Groth to her first ever main draw appearance at the event.

“Jarmila has had a fantastic year and after breaking the world’s top 50 players, she is certain to be in contention at the Moorilla Hobart International.

“She is one of the hardest and cleanest hitters in the women’s game, and watching her play at an intimate stadium in Hobart will be a real spectacle for tennis fans in Tasmania.”

Groth was awarded a wildcard into the French Open this year and reached the fourth round by defeating Yung-Jan Chan (TPE), Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) and fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.

After defeating Renata Voracova in the first round at Wimbledon, she also defeated No. 33 seed Melanie Oudin (USA) and Angelique Kerber (GER) before falling to No.2 seed Venus Williams (USA) in the fourth round of the Grand Slam.

Other highlights this year included her WTA Tour singles title in Guangzhou, China, and an ITF tournament victory in Sydney.

Moorilla Hobart International 2011 series packages and single sessions are on sale now, with ticket prices starting from $9.90.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104. For further tournament information, visit www.hobartinternational.com.au.