New South Wales teenager Emelyn Starr and Melbourne-based Jarmila Gajdosova have been awarded wildcards into the women’s main draw at the Medibank International Sydney.
The premier $600,000 Sony Ericsson WTA tournament will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from January 11-17.
Originally, the wildcards had been awarded to Samantha Stosur and Casey Dellacqua, but Australia’s two leading players have now secured places in the main draw as the next two direct acceptances.
“It’s great for Sam and Casey to see them enter the main draw on the strength of their world ranking,” Tournament Director Craig Watson said in a release published by the event.
“It has allowed us to be in a position to award the wildcards to Jarmila, who is so passionate about playing for Australia and Emelyn, who is making a breakthrough on the women’s tour.”
Starr, 19, is Tamworth-based but trains with Sandon Stolle through the Australian Institute of Sport Pro Tour Program. During 2008 she was a quarter finalist at events in Mildura, Vigo and Rockhampton and recently reached a career high ranking of 413. She also reached the semi finals of the Australian Open wildcard play off in December losing to eventual champion Jelena Dokic.
Gajdosova is ranked No. 98 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and during the 2008 season she reached the semi finals of the Japan Open and won tournaments in Korea, Taipei, Kawana and Traralgon. She was also a finalist at Rockhampton.
Tickets for the Medibank International Sydney are on sale now through Ticketek via phone – 1300 888 104 or the website – www.ticketek.com.au.
