Alicia Molik’s comeback to world tennis was given a major boost this morning when she was given a wildcard into the main draw of Australian Open 2010.
Australian Open organisers announced two women’s and three men’s wildcards today.
Talented Melbourne teenager Olivia Rogowska was given the other women’s wildcard announced which leaves just one remaining.
In the men's side Davis Cup player Carsten Ball, two-time junior grand slam winner Bernard Tomic and national under 18 champion Jason Kubler from Queensland were announced as wildcards.
“Alicia is a former world No. 8 who has done more than enough to earn this,” Fed Cup coach and national selector David Taylor said today.
“She was the form player in the domestic Pro Tour and she is such a class act she deserves every opportunity that comes her way.”
Taylor said Olivia Rogowska had also thoroughly earned her wildcard. “Olivia has scaled the rankings this year and nearly beat the reigning world No.1 Dinara Safina at the US Open. Her form during the Pro Tour was good and she made the final of the Wildcard Play-off,” Taylor explained.
Fellow selector and AIS coach Nicole Pratt said both girls would continue the recent resurgence of Australian women’s tennis.
“They certainly won't be just making up the numbers at Melbourne Park in January,” Pratt said.
On the men’s side, Davis Cup coach and wildcard selector Todd Woodbridge said it was exciting to announce three young talents.
“Carsten made an ATP final this year and went close to making the main draw cut-off for the Australian Open. He has performed well in Davis Cup and on the ATP tour, with a back injury the only reason he was forced to miss the Play-off,” Woodbridge said.
“Bernard Tomic won the US Open Boys title, to add to last year’s Australian Open Boys title from 2008, and at 17 held match points in an epic five-set final of the Play-off before succumbing to Nick Lindahl.
“Bernard continues to improve as a player and impress with his development. In January he showed what he can do when he won a round at Australian Open 2009. We know he will be very keen to make the most of this opportunity.”
Queensland 16-year-old Jason Kubler led Australia to the Junior Davis Cup title this year and went on a winning streak of more than 30 matches including the prestigious Osaka junior title.
“We think Jason deserves this chance. He is very talented and has a great attitude and work ethic. We are confident he will equip himself well,” Woodbridge said.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said he was delighted with the five players announced.
“Alicia is a great story and it will be great to see her back in front of a big home crowd at the stadium she made her own a few years ago.
“Olivia, Carsten, Bernard and Jason are all very gifted athletes who will benefit greatly from this experience and continue their improvement,” he said.
Tiley indicated a decision on the last wildcard in each of the men’s and women’s draws would be made as soon as possible.
In total, eight wildcards are given for each of the men and women’s field.
As the Grand Slam of Asia Pacific, organisers award one to Asia. One each is also given to the United States and France under a reciprocal agreement with their respective Grand Slams.
Nick Lindahl and Casey Dellacqua each earned one courtesy of their respective victories in the Play-off at Melbourne Park on the weekend and organisers have already announced former world number one Justine Henin will get a wildcard.
