31 December 2014 | Tennis Queensland

The announcement overnight that reigning US Open champion Marin Cilic (CRO) has had to withdraw from the upcoming Brisbane International opens the door for Australia’s world No.75 Marinko Matosevic to enter the main draw field directly. The men’s draw already features four players ranked inside the world’s top 11: Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov, as well as Argentine Juan Martin del Potro on an injury-protected ranking of No.7.

Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson said Cilic was unlucky to miss next week’s event and welcomed Matosevic into the draw.

“It’s unfortunate Marin won’t be fit to compete in Brisbane and we wish him all the best for his recovery,” he said.

“Marinko Matosevic will now gain direct entry into the field, joining fellow Aussies Lleyton Hewitt, Bernard Tomic and Thanasi Kokkinakis in the men’s draw. With a strong local contingent and some of the biggest international stars all coming to Brisbane it’s certainly shaping up to be another great tournament.”

Joining their male counterparts, Aussies Sam Stosur, Ajla Tomljanovic and Jarmila Gajdosova are all confirmed for the women’s main draw with each already regularly practicing under the Brisbane sun at the Queensland Tennis Centre.

Tomljanovic and Gajdosova received wildcards as early Christmas presents this month, with Tomljanovic set to play for the first time in front of her new home crowd.

“I’m excited to have been awarded a wildcard into Brisbane International and I’m very happy to have the opportunity to play in front of my home crowd in Brisbane for the first time,” said the world No.62.

“It’s always extra exciting to play the first tournament of the year and I am very eager to get 2015 off to a strong start. Brisbane is a fantastic event and the competition is always tough, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

World No.71 Gajdosova will return to Brisbane for her fourth tilt at the Evonne Goolagong Trophy after a stellar year on tour.

“I’m thrilled to have been awarded a wildcard into Brisbane International and it’s a great reward for my hard work in 2014,” she said.

“I love the Brisbane event and can’t think of a better way to start the new season. There are lots of great players coming to Brisbane again this year and hopefully the Queensland tennis fans come out and show their support for all the Aussies in the draw.”

The final wildcard entries will be announced in the coming days and for all other local hopefuls, qualifying will begin on Friday 2nd January.