Former world No. 12 Viktor Troicki to headline City of Playford Tennis International, Henri Leconte to make an appearance

FORMER world No. 12 Viktor Troicki will headline the men’s field in this year’s $100,000 City of Playford Tennis International.

Former world No.12 Viktor Troicki, in action during this year’s Australian Open, will headline the Playfiord International tennis tournament later his month. Picture: Michael Klein

A FORMER world No. 12 will be the star attraction of the men’s field in this year’s $100,000 City of Playford Tennis International.

Viktor Troicki, who reached his career high in 2011 but is now ranked 213, will be joined by 26 others inside the top 200 at the ITF Futures event at Playford City Tennis Centre from December 31 to January 6.

The 32-year-old Serbian right-hander has made the fourth round in three French Opens (2011, 2013, 2016) and twice at Wimbledon (2012, 2015).

Viktor Troicki has won a Davis Cup with Serbia and reached the fourth round of three French Opens and two Wimbledons. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Other career highlights include claiming the 2015 and 2016 Apia International Sydney titles, as well as winning the deciding rubber for Serbia in its victory over France in the 2010 Davis Cup final.

Italian Lorenzo Sonego, who reached a career-high ranking of 83 in October this year and now sat at 108, will also take part in the tournament.

The 23-year-old has triumphed in two ATP Challenger titles, Genoa and Ortesei in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Tennis SA chief executive Steven Baldas said most players would use the event as preparation for the Australian Open, beginning at Melbourne Park on January 14.

Meanwhile, former world No. 5 Henri Leconte will make a special guest appearance on the last day of the tournament.

Former French tennis star Henri Leconte will make a guest appearance at this year’s City of Playford International. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Leconte won the French Open doubles title in 1984, and made the French Open singles final in 1988.

Now 55, he was also part of the victorious French Davis Cup team in 1991. Baldas said he was “thrilled” to have Leconte watch the finals play out.

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the tournament would “offer the local community a fantastic opportunity to watch world-class tennis”.

The City of Playford Tennis International is part of the Australian Pro Tour – a series that allows players to earn their first world-ranking points.

Originally published as Former world No. 12 Viktor Troicki to headline City of Playford Tennis International, Henri Leconte to make an appearance