The first of Perth’s Women’s Pro Tour events get underway this Sunday 7 February at the State Tennis Centre, with the field boasting an impressive line-up of international talent, headlined by top seed, and world number 145, Risa Osaki (JPN).
21 year old Osaki is currently enjoying a successful run at the Launceston Pro Tour event, but will face tough competition in Perth from second seed and world number 162, Xinyun Han (CHN), who joins a strong contingent of Chinese players within the main draw, including Zhaoxuan Yang (CHN), Lin Zhu (CHN) and Jing-Jing Lu (CHN).
Whilst the international contingent is strong, Perth’s Jessica Moore (AUS) features in the main draw, joining newlywed Arina Rodionova (AUS) and WA wildcards Maddison Inglis (AUS) and Storm Sanders (AUS), who have youth, the home ground advantage and crowd support on their side, as they compete for their share of $50,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points over the two weeks.
Inglis has already enjoyed a successful start to the year, winning a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open, and advancing to the Semi Finals of the Australian Open Junior Doubles event. Likewise, 21 year old Sanders was also awarded her third successive wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open, and teamed up with fellow Perth compatriot Jessica Moore in the doubles, where they progressed to the second round.
In the doubles event of the Perth Tennis International, Sanders and Moore will rekindle their strong partnership, as they look to take out the coveted doubles title. However, standing in their way will be the formidable Ash Barty (AUS), who will make a surprise comeback to the sport, after taking some time away to play professional cricket with the Brisbane Heat. Barty, who peaked at No. 12 in the WTA doubles rankings, exploded onto the international tennis stage in 2011, winning the Wimbledon junior title at age 15. Since that time she made three grand slam finals in doubles in 2013, finishing as runner-up in the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open with Perth’s own Casey Dellacqua.
Tournament Director, Loretta Hughes is thrilled with this year’s line-up of players. “It’s fantastic to see such a strong field for the Perth Tennis International. These events are an exciting addition to our tournament calendar, and allow the local community to come down and watch some of the best up-and-coming female players from Australia and around the world. And best of all, it’s free!”
“So many of today’s top names have played at these Pro Tour events, which provide a perfect stepping stone to the global tennis stage” Hughes said.
Qualifying will begin on Sunday 7 February, and the main draw on Tuesday 9 February with play commencing at 9.00am each day (time TBC).
The Australian Pro Tour provides international and national professional and aspiring pro players a competitive opportunity to earn world ranking points and share of $25,000 in prize money.
Spectators will have the opportunity to witness some of the finest local international talent on a court near them. Entry is free to all events. There will also be a free live stream so people can catch all the action from home.
Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available at www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores
For a live stream of selected events visit http://www.epicentre.tv/events/itf-tennis-perth-tennis-international-1/
For more information about the Australian Pro Tour, Tennis Australia or the players visit www.tennis.com.au. For more information on the ITF Pro Circuit visit www.itftennis.com .
For Australian Pro Tour score updates follow @oztennisresults on Twitter. For all tennis news follow @tennisaustralia or like us on Facebook.
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