Dokic into Australian Open

Former world number four earns wildcard entry

Last updated: 6th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Dokic into Australian Open

Dokic: Wildcard entry

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Jelena Dokic will take her place in next month's Australian Open after earning her wildcard entry on Sunday.

The former Wimbledon semi-finalist, 25, came from behind to defeat fellow Australian Monika Wejnert 6-7 (3/7), 7-5, 6-3 in just over two hours in the final of a play-off tournament in Melbourne.

The former world number four said afterwards that she will try to qualify for lead-up tournaments in Brisbane and Hobart over the coming weeks before taking her place in the field for the January 19-February 1 grand slam.

Dokic, who has improved her ranking to 179, added that next year would be her final attempt at a comeback to the WTA world tour after admitting last year that she was on the verge of quitting the game.

Meanwhile, compatriot Colin Ebelthite gained a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open with a 1-6, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 win over the Australian Sport Institute's Sam Groth in the men's playoff final.

World number 144 John Isner and world number 377 Christina McHale also both earned their spots in the first Grand Slam event of the 2009 season by winning the United States Tennis Association wildcard tournaments.