Melbourne, Dec 24 (DPA) Alicia Molik’s comeback effort during the last half of 2009, after reversing her retirement plans, resulted in a Christmas Eve wildcard entry into next month’s Australian Open tennis.
Officials Thursday announced their holiday gifts, and are holding one final place for men and women into the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the season, which begins Jan 18.
“Alicia is a former world number eight who has done more than enough to earn this,” said Fed Cup coach and selector David Taylor. “She was the form player in the domestic Pro Tour.
“She is such a class act she deserves every opportunity that comes her way.”
Molik will be joined in the 128-woman field at Melbourne Park by Melbourne teenager Olivia Rogowska.
On the men’s side, Davis Cup player Carsten Ball and two-time junior Grand Slam winner Bernard Tomic were among the extra free entries announced, along with national under-18 champion Jason Kubler.
“Carsten made an ATP final this year (Los Angeles against Sam Querrey) and went close to making the main draw cut-off for the Australian Open,” said Australian coach Todd Woodbridge.
“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 wildcard play-off.
Tomic, the junior US Open champion, lost last week’s wildcard playoff final, holding match points in a five-setter before going down to Nick Lindahl.
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