A past tournament champion, a former world No.26 back after a four-year hiatus and a mum returning straight from a second child highlight the Hobart International qualifiers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The impressive list of accomplished female players was announced on Christmas Day.
Players forced to play the qualifying rounds will need to win two matches on January 11-12 at the Domain Tennis Centre to earn a spot in the main draw at the tournament.
Heather Watson will return to the Hobart International after the Brit became a fan favourite following the 2015 singles title win.
Kateryna Bondarenko, 33, is back onto the circuit for the first time in the New Year, just eight months after giving birth.
The Ukrainian has recently spoken about her goal to move inside the top-20 in the next 18 months after once reaching No.29.
Italian Camila Giorgi is set to return to Hobart having last played in 2016 when she reached the quarter-finals for the fourth time.
Madison Brengle, who was runners-up to Watson in 2015, will lead an American charge.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
One of the three players from the US, the one-time world No.35 will be joined by 2016 Hobart doubles champion Christina McHale and Kristie Ahn, who as a wildcard made the fourth round of the 2019 US Open.
Hobart International tournament director Darren Sturgess pointed out that fans could watch all the matches as part of the tournament's free family weekend.
The depth of qualifiers appearing that rank as high as the world No.69 will assemble 19 players that are spread just 35 spots apart.
"Again, we are opening the gates for our very popular free family weekend. Over 2000 fans came through the gates in 2019 to support their favourite players," Sturgess said.
"We anticipate that more people this year will attend the opening weekend to see these world-class players before they hit the courts at the Australian Open.
"Fans can take advantage of the fun, family-friendly activities we have on site."
The Hobart International takes place from January 11-18.
Subscriptions are available here.
Sign up to our Sport email here.
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
