24 February 2025 | Tennis Tasmania

Tasmanian tennis prodigy Alicia Dale’s remarkable summer continues, with the rising star awarded a wildcard into the Main Draw of the 2025 Launceston International (W35) starting tomorrow. This opportunity comes on the heels of her stunning performance at the HCi Burnie International Pro Tournament (W35), where she announced herself on the professional circuit with an emphatic victory over the tournament’s top seed.

From Junior Champion to Professional Circuit Success

Fresh from claiming the girls’ J100 Launceston Junior International Tournament title on February 8, Dale received a wildcard into the HCi Burnie International Pro Tournament. The confident teenager made the most of her opportunity, facing number 1 seed Kyoka Okamura (JPN) in the first round. What followed was nothing short of spectacular – the Tasmanian youngster dominated the match, dispatching the tournament favorite 6-3, 6-0.

In the second round, Dale demonstrated her competitive spirit against another Japanese player, Ayumi Koshiishi. Despite falling 7-5, 6-4 in a tightly contested match, Dale’s performance against established professionals signaled her readiness to compete at this level.

A Year of Breakthrough Achievements

Dale’s recent success at professional level builds upon an impressive twelve months of development:

• In July 2024, Dale competed in her first two Junior ITF tournaments on the Gold Coast, entering as a wildcard at the J60 Gold Coast Junior Championships
• She immediately announced herself on the junior circuit by defeating both the first and fifth seeds en route to claiming the Girls Singles title, defeating Audrey Aulia 6-1, 6-4 in the final
• Dale continued her dominance the following week at the J60 Mapei Gold Coast Junior International, teaming up with Rianna Alame to win the Girls Doubles title, defeating the first seeds in the Quarter Finals and the second seeds Audrey Aulia/Gabrielle Villegas 6-2, 6-3 in the final
• Made history in May 2024 by winning the Australia Cup, becoming the first Tasmanian girl to do so in 44 years
• Claimed the prestigious Pardey Shield in February 2024
• Dominated local competitions by winning Women’s Singles titles at the Cygnet Open, Clarence Open, Tasmanian Easter Championships, and Domain Easter Championships throughout 2024
• Captured the J100 Launceston Junior International title on February 8, 2025, cementing her status as Tasmania’s most promising tennis talent
• Made her mark at professional level with a stunning upset of top seed Kyoka Okamura at the Burnie International
• Awarded Main Draw wildcard for the 2025 Launceston International

Looking Ahead to Launceston

Alicia Dale will be on Centre Court twice tomorrow – Day 1 of Main Draw at the 2025 Launceston International. In the Singles, not before 12:30pm, she faces Hanyu Guo (CHN), who comes into the tournament fresh from reaching the final of the 2025 Burnie International.

In the Night Session, Dale will return to Centre Court for Doubles action, where she’ll partner with fellow Australian Amellia Zylberman in an all-Aussie clash against Kimiko Cooper and Ava-Monet Sycamore.

Centre Court Head-to-Heads – Day 1 Main Draw

10am Cruz Hewitt (AUS) v Ethan Cook (AUS)

followed by

Joshua Charlton (AUS) v Jason Kubler (AUS) [6]

not before 12:30pm

Alicia Dale (AUS) v Hanyu Guo (CHN)

Centre Court Head-to-Heads – Night 1 Main Draw

Not before 5pm

Lizette Cabrera [4] v Elena Micic

After rest, time TBA

Alicia Dale (AUS)/Amelia Zylberman (AUS) v Kimiko Cooper (AUS)/Ava-Monet Sycamore (AUS)