Sydney, Australia, 29 December 2012 | apiainternational.com

Australia’s Casey Dellacqua (Perth, WA) and Olivia Rogowska (Melbourne, Vic) have today been confirmed as wildcards for the Apia International Sydney 2013.

The pair will find their place in the main draw, beginning Sunday 6 January, alongside seven of the world’s top 10 women.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to play main draw at the Apia International Sydney,” said Dellacqua, the Australian No.2.

“It’s going to be extra tough because it is such a strong field in Sydney.”

Dellacqua, the current world No.101, will be making her first appearance at the event since 2010 when she was also awarded a wildcard.

“It’s an important lead-up tournament for me because I had to pull out of the Hopman Cup. I’m definitely on track for the Australian Open and playing Sydney is the perfect preparation,” she added.

The 27-year-old from Perth had a consistent year in 2012, winning the Fukuoka WTA Challenger in May and reaching the quarterfinals in Toyota, Japan in her last event of the year.

Dellacqua also notched impressive results in WTA Tour events throughout the year making the semifinals in Dallas as well as reaching the last 16 in Birmingham and Dubai.

Rogowska, the Australian No. 3, is equally as excited about being awarded a Sydney wildcard.

“I’m thrilled to be a main draw entry into the Sydney event,” said Rogowska.

“I’ve never played main draw in Sydney before so I am really looking forward to the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious tournament where the field is extremely tough.”

The 21-year-old Victorian enjoyed a successful 2012 season which included making her Fed Cup debut for Australia and reaching the second round of the Australian Open.

During 2012 Rogowska also reached her first WTA quarterfinal in Kuala Lumpur and won three singles titles (Esperance, Rockhampton and Burnie) on the ITF Circuit.

Craig Watson, Apia International Sydney Tournament Director, is looking forward to seeing Dellacqua and Rogowska hit the courts at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre next week.

“I’m delighted to have two more Australians in the Sydney line-up,” said Watson.

“Casey and Olivia are both outstanding competitors and will join Sam in the main draw giving fans the opportunity to see Australia’s top three females compete against the world’s best here in Sydney,”

More main draw men’s and women’s wildcards will be confirmed and announced in the lead up to the start of the event on Sunday 6 January.