Sydney Int adds Muguruza to star cast

The world No.2’s entry brings the tally of grand slam winners in this year’s women’s draw to a record seven. The tournament, which starts at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, will boast three of the four current grand slam winners as US Open champion Sloane Stephens (USA) and Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) are already committed to play.

Murguruza was forced to retire with leg cramps during her opening match at the Brisbane International on Tuesday, leaving her short on match practice ahead of the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on January 15.

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“I’ve only played in Sydney once before and really enjoyed the conditions there,” Murguruza said.

“The wildcard is a very valuable opportunity for me to get back on the court and hopefully play a few more matches before the first grand slam of the year in Melbourne.

“The Sydney draw is incredibly strong and there are no easy matches.”

Even before Murguruza accepted the wildcard, the women’s field was already the strongest in the long history of the tournament. It will also include seven-time grand slam champion Venus Williams, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic), 2016 Australian and US Open champion Angelique Kerber (Germany) and Australia’s 2011 US Open champion Sam Stosur

Murguruza won through to the quarter-finals in her only previous appearance at the Sydney International in 2015.

“Garbiñe reached the world No.1 ranking in September and was awarded WTA Player of the Year for 2017 so she is definitely one of the ones to watch heading into the 2018 season,” tournament director Lawrence Robertson said.

“Having Garbiñe in the draw elevates our already incredible women’s field to even greater heights and fans coming out to the tennis can expect intensely competitive matches from the very first round.”

Robertson will leave the final wildcard spot open for Serena Williams. The Australian Open champion, who gave birth to her first child in September, has until 4pm today (Thursday) to accept the spot.

If she plays it will mean all four reigning grand slam champions will be in action at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Tournament runs from Sunday January 7 to Saturday the 13th.

Tickets are available at Ticketek.