Hobart TAS, Australia, 5 December 2014 | Tennis Australia

A stellar field headlined by world no.29 Casey Dellacqua (WA), Sloane Stephens (USA), Heather Watson (GBR) and 2012 champion Mona Barthel (GER) will star at the 22nd annual Hobart International, taking place at Domain Tennis Centre from 11 to 17 January 2015.

Dellacqua, who is in career best form, will be joined by Stephens who returns to Hobart’s main draw for the second time. Stephens, the 2013 semifinalist, will be looking to repeat her run from two years ago, the precursor to her 2013 breakthrough season and a career high ranking of No.11.

Britain’s No.1 female player Watson will also travel to the Apple Isle. After an illness-marred 2013 she has risen up the rankings by more than 65 places in the past 12 months and will be looking to continue her rise ahead of the Australian Open.

Champion in 2012 and 2013 finalist Barthel is also back, as is 2013 Wimbledon semifinalist Kirsten Flipkens (BEL), 2014 and 2013 quarterfinalist Monica Niculescu (ROU), five-time Grand Slam doubles champion Roberta Vinci (ITA) and Brisbane International 2012 winner Kaia Kanepi (EST).

Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley is looking forward to another star-studded tournament.

“We are excited to host 23 of the world’s top 60 female players in January as the event continues to provide a platform for players to get match ready ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year,” Handley said.

“With Casey leading a field that includes Sloane, Heather and former champion Mona we have a group of extremely talented female athletes that have the pedigree to produce some highly competitive matches to be enjoyed by our Tasmanian sporting fans.

“We invite the local community to come out and support the players and enjoy a day out at the tennis.”

The official field for Hobart International 2015 is as follows:

Wildcards will be announced leading into the tournament.

Hobart International 2015 will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, Tasmania from 11-17 January 2015; stay up to date with tournament news via Facebook and Twitter.

The tournament is part of the Emirates Australian Open Series, which also incorporates Hopman Cup (Perth), Brisbane International presented by Suncorp, Apia International Sydney and World Tennis Challenge (Adelaide).

Tickets remain at 2014 prices and are on sale now via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.

Saturday 10 January will be Hobart International Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon. SpongeBob SquarePants and Squidward along with Nick Jr’s Dora the Explorer and Diego will be special guests at the Domain Tennis Centre from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Entry is free.