Thanasi Kokkinakis, Maya Joint and Rinky Hijikata have accepted wildcards to enter the main draw of the 2025 Brisbane International.
The trio join three other Aussie wildcards, Ajla Tomljanović, Kimberly Birrell and Adam Walton, as the field is set for a cracking week of action.
Hijikata, 23, defeated Kokkinakis and Czechia's Tomas Machac to feature in the quarter-finals of the recent Brisbane International less than 12 months ago, ultimately going down to Grigor Dimitrov.
Despite the wildcard entry, Hijikata won't be flying to Brisbane to make up the numbers.
"I’ve got good memories of Brisbane at the start of this year, made the quarterfinals here, so it was a great way to start off the year, and I feel like it kind of put me in good stead for the season," said the world No.73.
"Hoping I can repeat that or go even further this year, so I’m looking forward to it and it’s always nice to play at home.
"There’s always great turnouts at the Brisbane International, so I’m sure it’s going to be the same this year. You want to test yourself against the best players in the world, that’s kind of why you pick up a racquet and play."
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind for Joint, rising nearly 700 places in the WTA rankings to a career-high world No.110 in October as a reward for great results.
She qualified for her maiden Grand Slam main draw at the US Open this year, reaching the second round which led to a call-up to the Billie Jean King Cup Finals for Australia as an Orange Girl.
The 18-year-old is excited to enter the Brisbane International draw, and she hopes to face the 2024 runner-up and back-to-back Australian Open champion.
"It’ll be my first time playing it, and I think it’s really important to start the year really strong. Can’t wait to play in front of the home crowd," said Joint, who shared the Female Young Athlete of the Year title at the Newcombe Awards last week.
"I’d love to play Sabalenka. I’d just like to test my level, just see how I match up. I think it’d be really cool to play someone of that standard."
Qualifying matches for the Brisbane International commence on Friday, December 27, before the main draw begins on Sunday, December 29.
Comments