Wildcards’ chance to make repay the faith
Hobart International wildcard recipients Zoe Hives and Ellen Perez are desperate to repay the faith shown by tournament organisers and make use of the opportunities handed them this week.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
HOBART International wildcard recipients Zoe Hives and Ellen Perez are desperate to repay the faith shown by tournament organisers and make use of the opportunities handed them this week.
While it will be the second appearance at the event for Hives, who notched her first victory against a top-100 player in qualifying in 2016, the 22-year-old will be making her WTA main draw debut.
WATSON FIRED UP FOR HOBART BERTH
The world No.220 is coming off a breakout year on the Australian Pro Tour in 2018, winning ITF singles titles in Playford, Toowoomba and Canberra to achieve a career-high ranking of 215.
“I was really excited to be able to come back and play again,” said Hives, who meets Swede Johanna Larsson in the opening round.
“I have read some notes [on her opponent], I haven’t watched much footage yet, but the coach and I will set out a plan.”
Perez is also coming off a breakout season, which included a stunning upset of former world No.10 Kristina Mladenovic to notch her first WTA victory in Sydney. The 23-year-old, who made her WTA debut at the US Open in 2016, faces Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier in the opening round.
“Everyone here can play great tennis, I don’t know many of the players that well to be honest. She’ll hit a lot of good shots so I am just looking forward to playing.
SHOCK RESULT FOR AUSSIE ALISON BAI
“It is a great opportunity, my first time in Hobart so I’m really looking forward to competing.”
Perez and Hives have also received wildcards into next week’s Australian Open. “That is massive, first grand slam … I feel like I am playing well so I feel I can go well there,” Hives said.
“It was like an out-of-body experience”
Tasmanian supercar driver Lochie Dalton on the crash and bash at Bathurst and his chances of racing in the V8 main game in 2025
Teen shock: Call up for 13yo star in WBBL squad
A teen cricket sensation could challenge the country’s best players after being called into the Hobart Hurricanes WBBL squad and may be in line for a shock debut.