A firm place in the tableau of the Australian Open was still free – this went to the Australian hopeful Lizette Cabrera.
A new star in the Australian tennis heaven seems to shine more and more. Before the upcoming Australian Open (15. till 28. January 2018) fluttered good news towards Lizette Cabrera. The 20-year-old from Townsville received the last remaining wildcard for the first Grand Slam of the year.
With a great final spurt last year, Cabrera deserved the chance to win her second major field appearance in Melbourne. Last year, the local heroine was already on the pitch in Down Under and was beaten 5:7 and 2:6 in the first round by Croatian Donna Vekic.
Cabrera commented on the wildcard issued by the Australian Tennis Association:”I am so happy about the wildcard for the Australian Open and I can’t thank Australia Tennis enough for this honour. I could already feel what it’s like to be on the pitch at this Grand Slam last year and I can’t wait to go back there.”
The current number 152 in the world rankings played a strong second half of the season in 2017 and went on to the quarter-finals in Taipei and Hong Kong. Australia’s Fed Cup boss Alicia Molik shared the joy of her protégé,”Lizette is one of our greatest hopes for 2018. She has worked hard and deserves this opportunity,”said the former top 10 player.
Cabrera delivered the best performance on the tour so far in Guangzhou. With great power tennis she left the number three of the tournament and established WTA-player Anett Contacts no chance and swept the Estonian out of the field with 6:0 and 7:5, especially in the first round. With an extra portion of motivation and a favorable draw, it doesn’t seem impossible for the rising star to make it back home.