Hobart TAS, Australia, 2 December 2015 | hobartinternational.com.au

Former world No.5 Eugenie Bouchard will begin her Australian summer campaign at the Hobart International in 2016.

Tasmanian tennis fans are in for a treat when the 21-year-old Canadian superstar makes her debut at the 23rd edition of the tournament.

In 2014 at age 19, Bouchard made her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. She went on to win her first WTA title at Nurnberg before reaching the final four at the French Open.

In the same year, she reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon becoming the first Canadian in history – male or female – to do so and made her debut in the world’s top 10.

The right-hander finished 2014 with a spot at the end of season WTA Finals in Singapore.

In 2015 Bouchard was named the most marketable athlete in the world before injury ended an up-and-down season.

The current world No.49 and fan favourite is looking forward to making a strong start in Hobart.

“I want to start my 2016 season strongly and am hoping to get high quality matches in Hobart. The tournament is played on the same surface as the Australian Open and will help me prepare for Melbourne,” Bouchard said.

“I’ve had great success in Australia in the past and can’t wait to experience a new city.

“I’ve heard Hobart is beautiful and hope to have some time to explore and meet my fans there.”

Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley said the tournament would be perfect preparation for Bouchard ahead of her Australian Open 2016 campaign.

“We are delighted to welcome Eugenie to the Hobart International and her star power will be a treat for local tennis fans,” he said.

“I know she is looking forward to preparing for the first Grand Slam of the year and soaking up the scenery Hobart has to offer.”

Hobart International 2016 will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 10-16 January 2016.

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

Tickets are now on sale via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.

For all tournament information please visit www.hobartinternational.com.au.