French Open Wildcards for Hewitt and Barty

Written by: Staff on 16th May 2012

French Open Wildcards for Hewitt and Barty

epa03074343 Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in action against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their fourth round match at the Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2012. Djokovic won 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. EPA/MARTIN PHILBEY |

Lleyton Hewitt and Ashleigh Barty have been awarded wildcards into the main draw of the French Open.

Hewitt, who had foot surgery in February, has made a speedier than expected recovery and has been training well on clay.

“I’m looking forward to playing the French Open especially after missing it last year due to injury,” Hewitt said.

Rising star Ashleigh Barty, 16, is also looking forward to another Grand Slam challenge.

“I’m thrilled to compete in the main draw of the French Open for the first time and test my game against the world’s best. Thank you to Tennis Australia for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity and I will do my best to make everyone proud,” Barty said.

With a WTA ranking of 327, Barty is one of only two 16-year-olds in the top 330.

The 2011 Wimbledon Junior champion has reached the final of three Pro Tour events so far this year, winning in Sydney and Mildura and finishing as finalist in Ipswich.

A reciprocal agreement between the French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia allows the latter to select two Australian players for the French Open, which starts at Roland Garros on May 22.

Topics: 10sballs.com, AAshleigh Barty, French Open tennis news, Lleyton Hewitt, Sports