8 January 2015 | Tennis Tasmania

Tasmanian tennis fans are in for a treat with the confirmation that Slovakian stunner Daniela Hantuchova will make her debut at the Hobart International 2015.

The current world No. 62 has accepted Hobart’s wildcard and is set to light up centre court at the Domain Tennis Centre, from 11- 17 January 2015.

A consistent player on the WTA tour saw Hantuchova finish in the top 100 for the 14^th straight year. However a niggling right knee injury hampered her season, she retired at the Qatar Total Open in Doha and then withdrew from Abierto Mexicano TELCEL in Acapulco.

She has credited her coach Carlos Rodriguez with her new approach to the game which saw her defeat tough Italian Sara Errani at the ASB Classic in Auckland before being defeated by Urszula Radwanska  (POL) 1-6 6-3 6-1 yesterday.

Mark Handley, Hobart International Tournament Director believes the event will provide her with tough matches before the Australian Open 2015.

“We are delighted to welcome Daniela to the Hobart International and her star power will add to the already impressive line-up,” he said.

“She is a crowd favourite around the world and I’m sure she will be a hit with fans, young and old alike.

“I know she is looking forward to soaking up the beautiful scenery Hobart has to offer.”

Hantuchova will join Australian favourite Casey Dellacqua, Sloane Stevens (USA), Hobart International 2014 runner-up Klara Koukalova (CZE) and 2012 champion Mona Barthel (GER).

The official draw ceremony for the Hobart International 2015 will be conducted Friday 9 January 2015.

Hobart International 2015 will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, Tasmania from 11 -17 January 2015.

Tickets remain at 2014 prices and are on sale now via Ticketek or by calling 1300 888 104.

Ticket prices start from: $20.00 for adults $10.00 concession holders $5.00 for children 3- 16 years.

Saturday 10 January will be Hobart International Kids Tennis Day presented by Nickelodeon. Spongebob SquarePants and Squidward along with Nick Jr’s Dora the Explorer and Diego will be special guests at the Domain Tennis Centre from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Entry is free.

For all tournament information please visit www.hobartinternational.com.au and stay up to date with tournament news via facebook and Twitter.