BARTY BOOKS AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOT
Fifteen-year-old Ashleigh Barty will play in next month's Australian Open after earning herself a wildcard.
The Junior Wimbledon champion won the host nation's wildcard play-off tournament on Sunday when she beat Olivia Rogowska in the final.
The Queenslander triumphed 7-6 (8/6) 6-2 at Melbourne Park to ensure she will return to the venue in January when she is likely to be the youngest player in the field.
Barty, who was only playing in the play-offs as a wildcard having last week won the Australian under-18s title, said: "I can't describe how I'm feeling right now. I'm pleased with what I've done and I've played some really good tennis this week."
Speaking about qualifying for her first senior major, she added: "I don't really want to think about it yet. I'll probably go out there and play some horrendous tennis and be really nervous, but I'll just go out there and have some fun."
Barty did not drop a set all week.
She will be joined at the first Grand Slam event of the season by her male compatriot Marinko Matosevic.
He beat James Duckworth 6-4 6-1 6-2 in the men's final to book his berth.
"It's a great opportunity, an honour and a privilege to get into a Grand Slam tournament by winning this," said Matosevic, who will now make his third Australian Open appearance. - http://www.sportinglife.com
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