Traralgon, 17 November 2010 | tennis.com.au

Jarmila Groth (Vic) and Alicia Molik (SA) will lead a charge of national and international tennis stars at the USD $40,000 Latrobe City Loy Yang Tennis International, to be held at Traralgon Tennis Club from 22 to 28 November.

Latrobe City residents will have the opportunity to watch a host of world-class players for free as they ready themselves for the Australian summer of tennis ahead.

Australia will be represented in the women’s draw by former world No.8 Molik and current world No.42 Groth, as well as Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sally Peers, and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Olivia Rogowska (both from Victoria).

The men’s draw will include rising Australian tennis stars Samuel Groth (Vic), Colin Ebelthite (SA) and Matt Reid (NSW), as well as former world No. 77 Danai Udomchoke of Thailand.

Joining the Australians are international tennis stars from Germany, Israel, Greece, USA and Japan.

Tournament Director Melissa Jelliff praised the Latrobe City Council, the Traralgon Tennis Club and the local community for their support of the event and Australian tennis.

“To have emerging national talent alongside established international players such as Jarmila Groth and Alicia Molik is fantastic for the tournament and Australian Pro Tour, especially as they will be in the mix at next year’s Australian Open.

“Residents of the Latrobe City have been longstanding supporters of the Loy Yang Power Traralgon International for our junior players, so we hope everyone will head down and get behind the return of the Australian Pro Tour to Traralgon.”

Australia’s No. 2 ranked female tennis player, Groth, is expected to be the favourite for the women’s title, following her breakthrough season in 2010 with fourth round appearances at the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as her first career WTA Tour singles title.

In the men’s event, world No. 288 Sebastian Rieschick of Germany will be hoping to win his second title in Australia this month following his success at last week’s Cliffs Esperance Tennis International.

The Latrobe City Loy Yang Tennis International is part of the 2010–2011 Australian Pro Tour, which is a series of international events that act as a springboard to the global tennis stage by providing vital ranking points and experience for the tennis stars of tomorrow.