Bernard Tomic, Sophie Ferguson, Sally Peers and Carsten Ball receive Australian Open wild cards
The 18-year-old Bernard Tomic of Australia got a wild card entry into the main draw of the 2011 Australian Open starting next week, by tennis Australia on Tuesday. Sophie Ferguson, Sally Peers and Carsten Ball also gained direct entries in Melbourne.
Todd Woodbridge, who is the head of men’s tennis in Australia while commenting on Tomic’s entry said on Tuesday, “These wildcards are always difficult decisions, Bernard is a talent but cannot be rewarded with a wildcard on that alone, nor should he ever
expect that. He has not had much tennis and he missed the AO play-off so the pressure was on him to perform, particularly after he did not play well in Brisbane. He had not done enough. He needed to produce something in Sydney and he has done that with three
good wins. His tennis has now earned this wildcard."
Tomic, the Gold Coast resident secured a spot after making a successful qualification into the main draw at Sydney International. He got the better of Michael Berrer, Igor Kunitsyn as well as Lukasz Kubot to reach the opening round.
Carsten Ball, on the other hand, has been granted a wild card on the basis of his solid performance on the tour in 2010. He not only posted solid results in Challenger events but also performed well at Slams. At the major events last year, the right hander
won his opening round matches at both French Open and United States Open before eventually bundling out of the event.
Sally, the 19-year-old, also posted her career best Grand Slam result by reaching the second round at 2010 United States Open in New York.
Ferguson also had a decent season as she jumped to as high as number 119 back in June.
Craig Morris who is the head of women’s tennis in Australia said, “Congratulations to both Sally and Sophie on their Australian Open wildcards. They are both well deserved. Sally has had a great year, with the highlight qualifying for the US Open and her
first-round win, as well having the chance to represent Australia and win gold in Delhi. Sophie has really improved throughout 2010 and I hope this will be a springboard into the top 100 in 2011."
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