Sydney, 1 December 2010 | tennis.com.au
World No.1 Caroline Wozniacki is the latest confirmed starter for January’s Medibank International Sydney.
The 20-year-old Danish superstar is the fourth top 20 female player to commit to the event, along with US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Australian No.1 Samantha Stosur and former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic.
Wozniacki confirmed today that she would return to the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre for the third straight year, with the aim of winning her first Medibank International Sydney title.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Sydney in 2011. It is a beautiful city and I have always enjoyed my time there in the past years and played some very memorable matches,” Wozniacki said.
“I feel that the Medibank International Sydney is the best preparation for the Australian Open.
“All the top players will be competing there in Sydney and because of this I am confident that I’ll get the matches I need.
“I have never won the Medibank International Sydney so a title there would be the perfect start to the New Year for me.”
Wozniacki’s best result at the Medibank International Sydney came in 2009 when she lost an enthralling three-set quarterfinal match against No.1 seed Serena Williams.
Tournament Director Craig Watson said he was thrilled that the world’s No.1 player would be commencing her Australian summer in Sydney.
“The women’s field for the Medibank International Sydney in 2011 will again be littered with star power and of course Caroline is a very welcome addition to the event,” Watson said.
“Over the past couple of years she has become a genuine superstar on the WTA Tour and her engaging personality both on and off the court makes her a fan favourite.
“She has had a fantastic year in 2010 and will be a deserved No.1 seed for the Medibank International Sydney, but she won’t have an easy time, with the likes of Clijsters, Stosur and Ivanovic in the field.”
Watson also added that he expected seven of the top 10 women in the world to confirm their participation when entries close early next week.
Wozniacki became the world No.1 on the WTA Tour on October 11 after an outstanding 2010 season that saw her claim six titles, including Montreal, Tokyo and Beijing.
She also reached the semifinals at the US Open in September for the second straight year and the final at Indian Wells in March.
Tickets to the Medibank International Sydney 2011 are on sale now through Ticketek and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.
The Medibank International Sydney will be held at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre from Sunday 9 to Saturday 15 January 2011.
