22 December 2011 | Tennis Queensland

Fifteen-year-old Ashleigh Barty from Queensland is set to make her WTA Tour debut following the granting of wildcards into Brisbane International qualifying and the main draw of the Moorilla Hobart International in January.

“Ashleigh has achieved some amazing results this year, winning Junior Wimbledon and then the play-off, earning a wildcard into the Australian Open,” Craig Tiley, AO Tournament Director and Tennis Australia’s Director of Tennis said today.

“Playing qualifying at Brisbane, a WTA Premier event, and then the main draw in Hobart, will give her the best possible preparation for her first Grand Slam tournament.

“We’ve worked closely with Ash’s team – AIS Women’s Coach Nicole Pratt and coach Jason Stoltenberg, to come up with the best option for Ash in terms of her future development and progression to the pro ranks.”

“I’m really looking forward to playing both qualifying in Brisbane and the main draw of Hobart,” Barty said.

“I know I’ll have to really step up to compete against the top girls in the WTA and it’s going to be pretty tough and a big challenge. But I also know it’s going to be a really important part of my development and improvement as a player. I’m going to make the most of the experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Brisbane International women’s qualifying will take place on 29, 30 and 31 December. The women’s draw will be released on Thursday 28 December.

Moorilla Hobart International will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 6 to 14 January 2012.

Brisbane International 2012 series packages and single sessions are on sale now.

Tickets start from as little as $14.90 for ground passes and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational  or call 1300 888 104.