18 September 2014 | Tennis Queensland

Thousands of Aussie hopefuls are expected to pick up a racquet to take part in the nationwide Win a Wildcard competition, with the ultimate winner receiving a wildcard into the mixed doubles event at Australian Open 2015.

Mixed doubles pairs across Australia are encouraged to enter one of 32 qualifying tournaments to be held in every state and territory in October.

Players aged 18 and over can participate, with three competition grades catering to all standards of play.

The winning pairs from all 32 venues will be invited to Melbourne Park in December to contest the finals, with the winners awarded a coveted Australian Open mixed doubles wildcard and a $5,000 grant for their tennis club.

The winning pair will receive the full Grand Slam treatment, including exclusive tournament accreditation, transport and access to all player services.

The Win a Wildcard competition proudly supports charity partners the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, with $20 from every individual entry fee donated to these leading cancer research organisations.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said the initiative was designed to encourage grassroots tennis players to chase their Grand Slam dreams.

“We’re very excited to offer a mixed doubles wildcard into Australian Open 2015, and I encourage everyone to find their nearest qualifying tournament and sign up. This is the chance of a lifetime to join the world’s best tennis players at Melbourne Park,” he said.

“Win a Wildcard is an event for people of all ages and tennis abilities, in support of two great charity organisations, and I look forward to seeing the winners on court at Melbourne Park this summer.”

Todd Woodbridge, winner of 22 Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles titles believes the Win a Wildcard competition will encourage more people to pick up a racquet and play tennis.

“This is the most amazing prize any aspiring tennis player could hope to win – the chance to compete at Australian Open 2015,” he said.

“It will be fantastic to have more than 10,000 players competing in the play-offs in October, and I look forward to checking out the form of the finalists here at Melbourne Park in December. There’s sure to be some tough competition.”

See the full list of qualifying tournament venues and dates; entries for each qualifying tournament close the Monday prior to the event. Entry is $25 per person.