Women's Qualifying wildcards served out for ASB Classic

Women's Qualifying wildcards served out for ASB Classic

Slovak youngster Tereza Mihalikova (ranked 574) has been awarded a wildcard entry into the women’s singles qualifying of ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland.

The 17-year-old is one of the top junior players in the world and is considered to be one of the future talents on the WTA tour. The defending Australian Open Juniors Champion will also get the chance to play the Australian Open Women’s event after Auckland.

ASB Classic organisers are delighted to offer Mihalikova a break to play the ASB Classic 2016 qualifying round where she aims to make the transition as a successful junior player to a professional WTA player.

“We are pleased to commit a qualifying wildcard to Tereza. As organisers we always like to build relationships with up and coming players, and we hope the ASB Classic provides her excellent preparation in the lead up to the Australian Open and for her season ahead.” says Tournament Director, Karl Budge.

In addition, the final remaining wildcard on offer has been granted to a kiwi with pedigree - Jade Lewis. Lewis was named the Tennis New Zealand Best (female) Junior in 2015 and is the top under 18 New Zealander on the ITF Junior Circuit where she is currently ranked 73 in the world.

Lewis competed in the qualifying round at the ASB Classic tournament earlier this year and hopes to progress beyond the first round match. “I’m excited to be playing back in New Zealand again. I feel like this year was a huge learning curve for me, I feel much better prepared for the ASB Classic this time around and look forward to giving it my best shot out there.”

Budge was pleased to invite Jade Lewis to compete in the qualifying tournament “It’s always a pleasure to offer young emerging kiwi players the opportunity to play at home. We hope this tournament gives Jade the boost she needs to continue to strive and achieve her goals in tennis.”

The ASB Classic women’s qualifying will be played from 2 to 3 January at the ASB Tennis Arena in Auckland.

ENDS

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