World's best will battle it out in Sydney warm-up
Serena Williams
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Venus Williams is the only absentee from the world’s top ten in an impressively strong line-up confirmed for the Medibank International on January 10.
While nine of the top 10 do battle in Sydney, 29-year-old Venus will warm up for the 2010 Australian Open with an exhibition match in Thailand instead.
After confirming its strongest line-up in history, the Medibank International features the defending Australian Open champion Serena Williams, who returns to Sydney’s Olympic Park Tennis Centre for a second consecutive year.
And with the drama of her last Grand Slam appearance firmly put behind her – Williams threatened an official during her semi-final defeat to Kim Clijsters – the tournament will provide the perfect test for the world No.1 in her search for a fifth victory in Melbourne.
“I really enjoyed my time in Sydney this year and I am really looking forward to being back there in just a few weeks time,” Williams said. “It’s pretty amazing how quickly the year comes around.
“Once again it is going to be a great field and I am really happy to part of that. I look forward to seeing so many of my Australian fans in Sydney”.
Standing in her way will be the woman she defeated in the final of last year’s Australian Open, Dinara Safina, along with world No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Dementieva, Victoria Azarenka, Jelena Jankovic, Vera Zvonareva and Agnieszka Radwanaksa. Among others, Australian No.1 and world No.13 Sam Stosur will feature and is sure to be inundated with typically vociferous support from the home fans.
“Once again it is going to be a great field and I am really happy to part of that.” – Serena
In the men’s draw, Australia’s much-loved Lleyton Hewitt is due to return to Sydney, and will be joined by world No.13 Gael Monfils, Tomas Berdych, Sam Querrey, Stanislas Wawrinka, and 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis.
More big name players may well join that list. Novak Djokovic was a late entry to the Sydney tournament via a wildcard last year, and a number of wildcards will be left open for the same purpose ahead of this year’s event.
With all thoughts set on achieving the perfect preparation for the Australian Open, the Medibank International promises a ferocious contest.
The Medibank International run’s from 10-16 January, ahead of the Australian Open on 18-31 January.
