27 Dec 2008

Lucic gets wildcard for ASB Classic

10:24 am on 27 December 2008

The former tennis teenage star Mirjana Lucic has accepted a main draw wildcard for next month's ASB Classic in Auckland.

The 26-year-old Croatian has missed recent big time tennis because of personal reasons, but was a star in the 90's when she won a tournament at the age of 15 and also won the Australian Open doubles title as a 15-year-old.

Currently ranked 433, Lucic hopes the ASB Classic will be a new beginning for her career with intentions to play a full year on the professional circuit.

Already confirmed for a main draw wildcard is former world number 4 Kimiko Date Krumm of Japan while Dutchwoman Michaella Krajicek and Croatian 17-year-old Petra Martic have been granted wildcards into the qualifying. Two Kiwis - Di Hollands and Kairangi Vano also have wildcards into the ASB Classic qualifying draw.

The one main draw doubles wildcard is likely to be given to a New Zealand pairing which is yet to be confirmed.

The ASB Classic will also feature on-court coaching for the first time as part of an initiative on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.