Dual Hobart International champion and world No.29 Elise Mertens will headline a star-studded field as high calibre tennis athletes prepare to make their mark on the iconic Hobart International Tennis Tournament that starts tomorrow.
Minister for Stadia and Events, Nic Street, said that the Hobart International has the full support of the Rockliff Liberal Government.
"Beamed to around seven and a half million viewers globally, the eight-day event is the only all-women's tournament conducted in Australia and boasts an impressive line-up, with 32 of the world's best players and 16 of the best doubles teams," Minister Street said.
"The Hobart International is a staple on our State's busy summer events calendar and has a strong reputation for unearthing rising stars.
"The Rockliff Liberal Government is a proud and long-time supporter of this summer highlight, having invested a total of $1.5 million from 2023 to 2027 to ensure the ongoing success of the Hobart International.
"Tennis is a popular sport in Tasmania with more than 40 clubs across the State home to nearly 4,000 members and the very successful Hot Shots program.
"This is why it is so important to ensure that Tasmanians can see the very best in action right here at home, and it is my hope that it inspires Tasmanians to pick up a racket this summer and get moving."
Belgian Elise Mertens made tournament history by becoming the first back-to-back singles champion in 2018. Joining her this year will be a stellar line-up of 14 current top 50 players including:
- World No.34 Marie Bouzkova (CZE);
- Hobart International 2023 finalist Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA);
- Emma Navarro (USA);
- Wang Xinyu (CHN); and
- Zhu Lin (CHN).
In previous years, the WTA tennis tour event has attracted global stars such as Serena Williams' in 2007, Sam Stosur in 2014 and 2020, Eugenie Bouchard in 2016 and Ash Barty in 2017.
The 29th Hobart International Tennis Tournament will take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 6-13 January 2024, with qualifying this weekend and the main draw starting on Monday.
Tickets are now on sale at hobartinternational.com.au.
