Ajla Tomljanovic, Sabine Lisicki and Sorana Cirstea to compete at Kooyong as women return to line-up
AFTER more than two decades women will return to the Kooyong Classic player lineup with Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic confirmed to be taking part.
The 23-year-old will be joined by former Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Lisicki and Sorana Cirstea with the trio set to take part in a round robin style competition.
It is the first time a women’s competition has been held at the event since 1993.
The tournament will mark Tomljanovic’s return to competitive tennis having not played since this year’s Australian Open after undergoing shoulder surgery.
“I am really looking forward to participating in the Kooyong Classic. I’ve heard so many great things about the event and it would be such a pleasure to step on the court in Australia for the first time in a year and play in front of great Australian fans. I can’t wait,” she said.
Germany’s Lisicki said the opportunity to play in melbourne will be the best way for her to prepare for the first grand slam of the year.
“I was excited to hear that they were adding a women’s field to this year’s Kooyong Classic,” Lisicki said.
“I had heard a lot of good things about the event for the guys over the past years and am hoping it helps me prepare well for the Australian Open.”
Tomljanovic, Lisicki and Cirstea join Bernard Tomic, David Goffin and Richard Gasquet on the roster with the men’s line-up yet to be completed.
The Kooyong Classic will be held from Tuesday 10 January to Friday 13 January 2017 at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.