Brisbane, Australia, 28 December 2012 | Tennis Australia

Talented 15-year-old Lizette Cabrera (Townsville, Qld) has been awarded a wildcard into the Brisbane International 2013 qualifying draw, which begins today at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

“I was really happy to receive a wildcard into the qualifying of the Brisbane International,” said the Queenslander.

“I felt very privileged; it’s a really good opportunity for me to play other women from around the world. I am really happy and I will do my best in the tournament.”

Entry to the qualifying rounds of the Brisbane International is free and gates open at 9.45am, with play commencing at 10.00am.

“I love playing with a crowd, especially if it’s in Brisbane … it will be good to have a crowd cheering for me,” Cabrera said.

The Townsville youngster has enjoyed some notable performances in 2012.

“The highlight of 2012 for me was going to Europe and winning my first ITF event in Denmark; that gave me a really good confidence boost. Then winning another ITF event in Fiji … I was really happy with that,” she said.

“My goal for 2013 is to go to all the junior Grand Slams and build up my WTA ranking,” Cabrera added.

The other female qualifying wildcards are Arina Rodionova (RUS), Viktorija Rajicic (Melbourne, Vic) and Bojana Bobusic (Perth, WA).