Sydney, Australia, 5 January 2013 | apiainternational.com

Australia’s Matt Ebden (Perth, WA), James Duckworth (Sydney, NSW) and John Millman (Brisbane, QLD) have today been confirmed as wildcards for Apia International Sydney 2013.

“I am thrilled to receive a wildcard and look forward to returning to Sydney where I had such a great experience last year,” said Ebden.

Ebden, who was also awarded a wildcard into last year’s event, had an impressive run in 2012 taking out seventh seed Marcel Granollers (ESP) in the first round before losing a tough three-set battle to former Sydney champion Marcos Baghdatis (CYP).

The 25-year-old had a successful 2012 season reaching a career ranking high of world No.61 in October and will look to capitalise on the chance to gain valuable experience leading into the Australian Open.

Sydney-raised Duckworth, the current world No.209, is excited about making his third appearance at the event.

“I am excited to receive a wildcard into the Apia International Sydney and look forward to competing in front of my home crowd,” said Duckworth.

Brisbane-based Millman has started the Aussie summer of tennis in great form, winning through qualifying at the Brisbane International eventually losing world No.4 Andy Murray in a tight three-set encounter in the second round.

The 23-year-old Millman will make his second appearance in Sydney, his first in the main draw singles.

The Apia International Sydney will be staged on 6-12 January 2013 at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.