Hobart TAS, Australia, 23 December 2013 | Tennis Australia

Casey Dellacqua (WA) has been awarded a wildcard into the Hobart International.

Dellacqua is set to join one of the strongest fields ever assembled for the event, including Australia’s No.1 and world No.18 Sam Stosur, former world No.1 Venus Williams, defending champion and world No.25 Elena Vesnina and Britain’s No.1 Laura Robson.

“I’m really excited to be coming back to Hobart and I appreciate the opportunity,” Dellacqua said today.

“It’s a fantastic event – this will be my fifth time – and is great preparation for the Australian Open. There will be some really tough competition and those are the matches you need going into a Slam. The Domain Tennis Centre is a beautiful venue, the Tassie crowds are terrific and I really enjoy playing there.”

“Casey is a fan favourite and it will be great to welcome her back to the Hobart International,” Tournament Director Mark Handley said today.

“She’s in terrific form after winning back-to-back Pro Tour events in Bendigo, then the Australian Open Play-off and she’ll be keen to continue her ranking rise in Hobart. It will also be exciting to see her in doubles action with Ash Barty.”

Dellacqua and Barty reached three Grand Slam doubles finals in 2013 – at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open – and although both remain focussed on their singles careers, are looking forward to continuing their success on the doubles court.

Dellacqua, along with Barty, were in line for the prestigious Newcombe Medal at the recent Australian Tennis Awards, the first doubles team to feature in the nominations.

Hobart International will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 5-11 January 2014.

Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased through Ticketek online or by calling 1300 888 104 (Australia) or +613 9039 9407 (international).