Rogowska and Matosevic win Australian Open 2011 wildcards
Rogowska and Matosevic win Australian Open 2011 wildcards | 
Olivia Rogowska (Vic) and Marinko Matosevic (Vic) are set to compete against the world’s best after claiming a place in the main draw of Australian Open 2011.
The rising stars will join one of the strongest fields in the Grand Slam tournament’s history after winning the Australian Open Play-off today at Melbourne Park.
Rogowska came from behind to stun former world No.4 Jelena Dokic (NSW) in the final, 1-6 7-6(3) 6-3.
“Jelena was playing flawless tennis…there wasn’t much I could do. I just fought really hard and tried to stay in the points and in the games,” Rogowska said.
“I decided to come out this week and just give it my best shot, and take it one match at a time. But to win the whole thing is just an incredible feeling that I can’t describe.”
The Commonwealth Games silver medallist has competed in the Australian Open Play-off on three occasions, most recently in 2009 when she finished runner-up to Casey Dellacqua (WA) in the final. Next year’s Australian Open will be her third appearance at the Grand Slam® tournament.
“The exact same situation happened to me last year but vice versa, so I’m pleased to be able to close out the match and be the [Play-off] champion this year. It’s my third final so I guess it’s third time lucky,” Rogowska said.
“This year wasn’t my best year so to finish on such a positive note makes me really happy. I’m just going to have a couple of days off and get back into training, and I’m really pumped for January.”
Rogowska will be joined at the Australian Open by Matosevic, who claimed a memorable five-set victory against top seed Peter Luczak (Vic) and will now line up against the likes ofRafael Nadal and Roger Federer in January.
“It was great to earn my place without the help of [wildcard] selectors this time around,” Matosevic said.
“I want to have a good Australian summer and hopefully that will skyrocket me into the top 100.”
Matosevic made his debut Grand Slam® tournament appearance in the first round of the Australian Open this year.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said Rogowska and Matosevic deserved their wildcards and was excited to include another two Australians to the impressive line-up of players heading to Melbourne.
“They’ve played great tennis leading in, and this has been a fantastic opportunity to get in match practice so they’re ready to compete in January,” Tiley said.
“One of the reasons we have this event is because we get our players competing in matches and not just training in December. Having more Australians that are playing well, are prepared and ready to win matches early is great for us.”
The year’s first Grand Slam event promises to be one of the best ever, with the world’s top 100 men and 98 of top 100 women entered including Federer, Nadal, world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, Kim Clijsters, Samantha Stosur, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Australian Open 2011, presented by Kia Motors in association with ANZ, Jacob’s Creek and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, from 17 to 30 January.
Tickets are now on sale and available from Ticketek via www.ticketek.com.au. The great value $29 Australian Open ground pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval™ and in Garden Square.
For more information about this year’s December Showdown, Optus Junior Tour, Australian Open 2011, Tennis Australia or the players, visit www.tennis.com.au.
Topics: Australian Open, Casey Dellacqua, Champion, Commonwealth Games, Couple Of Days, Grand Slam Tournament, Jelena Dokic, Marinko, Match Play, Melbourne Park, Occasions, Olivia, Peter Luczak, Rising Stars, Roger Federer, Selectors, Silver Medallist, Third Time Lucky, Vic, Wildcards
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