Beijing, China, 9 October 2013 | australianopen.com

Top tennis players from the Asia-Pacific region will compete for a valuable wildcard into Australian Open 2014 at the second annual Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off set for Shenzhen, China in November.

The play-off was announced in Beijing at an event attended by Grand Slam champion and Australian Open 2011 and 2013 finalist Li Na, and Crown Resorts Chairman James Packer. 

“In 2013 we staged the first Asia Pacific Wildcard Play-off in China, with the winners Wu Di and Zhang Yuxuan going on to compete in the main draw of the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia’s Senior Vice President of Sponsorship Glenn Findlay said.

“This set another important milestone for the sport in China, as Wu Di became the first Chinese man ever to compete in a Grand Slam singles main draw.

“I’m very pleased to announce the 2013 Australian Open Asia Pacific Wildcard Play-off will take place in Shenzhen, China, from18-24 November. The winners will again be awarded a coveted Australian Open wildcard and be hosted by Crown during their stay in Melbourne.

“As the Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific our constant focus is to promote tennis in the region and we have no better ambassador for our sport than Li Na. Your inspirational performances at the Australian Open have made you a favourite with tennis fans around the world, and your influence in growing interest and participation in tennis, particularly here in China, is immeasurable. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Melbourne Park in January.”

“Crown is thrilled to support Tennis Australia’s initiatives to promote tennis, especially the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off in 2014,” said James Packer, Chairman of Crown Resorts.

“Li Na is the perfect ambassador to ignite passion in the sport, especially in China.”