Two of Australia’s most talented young tennis stars have been handed wildcards to the 2013 Australian Open.
Luke Saville, 18, a Wimbledon boys singles champion in 2011, is hoping to continue his rise in the senior ranks after transitioning from the juniors to the open age groups last year.
Saville climbed an astonishing 800 places in the men’s singles rankings last season to achieve a career-high of 340 in November and is considered one of his nation’s top future prospects.
”It’s awesome getting a wildcard into Australian Open 2013 and my home grand slam,” Saville said.
”To be competing against some of the best players in the world is going to be a great experience for me. I feel as if this is a reward for the great year I have had and all the hard work I have put into my tennis.”
Olivia Rogowska received a wildcard into the women’s singles draw.
The 21 year old Melburnian achieved a career-high women’s singles ranking of 108 in a sensational 2012 that saw her take out titles in Esperance, Rockhampton and Burnie, and feature in the main draws at the Australian and US opens.
”I’m really excited to receive a wildcard into Australian Open 2013,” Rogowska said.
”Being from Melbourne, it’s a great opportunity to play in front of my family and friends and I’m really looking forward to performing well in a few weeks’ time.
”I’ve been training really well over the last few months and have worked a lot on my fitness and strength, and I believe that I can compete with the top girls in the world. I’m looking forward to a big 2013 and there is no better way to start than at the first grand slam of the year.”
The Australian Open runs from January 14-27 at Melbourne Park.
The qualifying phase commences on Wednesday through to Saturday.
