SYDNEY, December 29, 2018 (Press Release)

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Victoria’s Daria Gavrilova and New South Wales’ Jordan Thompson are among the main draw wildcard recipients at the Sydney International. 

Three times a semifinalist in the Harbour City, and the champion in 2015, WTA top 20 wildcard recipient Kvitova will be contesting her sixth Sydney International. 

The winner of a tour-leading five titles in 2018, she said she was feeling good as she headed into the 2019 season.

“I’m really looking forward to being back in Sydney this year,” said world No.7 Kvitova.  “It’s one of my favourite stops on the calendar and I love the conditions there.

“Hopefully I can make a great start to the year and get in some important matches ahead of the Australian Open.”

A semifinalist at the Sydney International in January, Gavrilova said she would be striving to exceed her 2018 performance. “I always love coming back to Sydney,” said Gavrilova. “There are so many top 10 players in the draw which makes it one of the toughest tournaments of the year and a great way to start the season. 

“I love playing at home in Australia and really appreciate all the crowd support. It’s incredibly motivating so I hope I can play well and get lots of wins and go deep at the Sydney International.”

Thompson recorded the second-most wins in ATP Challenger Tour history in 2018, winning three of the eight Challenger finals he contested, in Chennai, Traralgon and Canberra.

The 24-year-old Sydneysider has twice reached the second round at Sydney Olympic Park, in 2016 and 2017, and said he was looking forward to tackling the main draw at his hometown tournament for a fourth time.

“It’s a real privilege to be awarded a wildcard for the Sydney International, and I’d like to thank Tennis Australia for the opportunity,” said Thompson. “I love playing in my home city, the fans are great and the tournament is world class.”

Gavrilova and Kvitova will be joined in the women’s main draw by Queensland’s Sam Stosur and Alja Tomljanovic.

The US Open champion in 2011 and runner-up at the French Open in 2010, Stosur is currently ranked No.74 in the world after working her way back from a long-term wrist injury.

Meanwhile Tomljanovic will be looking to build on a break-out 2018 season that saw her reach finals at Rabat and Soul, the semi-finals at Indian Wells, and attain a career high ranking of No.43 in the world.

Alexei Popyrin will join Thompson in the men’s main draw. A qualifier in Sydney in 2018, Popyrin started the season ranked No.613, achieving a career-high ranking 25 times over the course of the season, peaking at No.148 in November.

Sydney International Tournament Director Lawrence Robertson said he’s delighted with the wildcard mix at Sydney International 2019.

“Dasha, Alja, Thommo and Alexei are all coming off good seasons, and Sam will be looking to build on her 2018 comeback, so all are very deserving of their opportunity in such strong fields.

“They will be very popular with local fans and it’s going to be a great opportunity for them to pit their wits against some of the very best on the WTA and ATP Tours. ”

Sydney International 2019

Women’s main draw wildcards (as at 27 December 2018)

Men’s main draw wildcards (as at 27 December 2018)