Smeets and Stosur to play French Open
Melbourne,14 May 2008
Tennis Australia
Robert Smeets and Sam Stosur have received wildcards into the French Open main draw.
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Queenslanders Robert Smeets and Sam Stosur have been granted wildcards into the French Open.
A reciprocal agreement between the French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia allows the latter to pick two locals for the French Open, which starts at Roland Garros on 26 May. In return, France receives two wildcard selections for the Australian Open.
Both players are members of Tennis Australia’s elite AIS Pro Tour Program.
The news is heartening for Stosur, who only returned to the circuit at the end of April after an illness-enforced absence of nearly a year.
“Sam has fought her way back with typical determination. She has been working extremely hard to prepare for her comeback and has already beaten two top-100 players on her return,” Tennis Australia Director of Tennis Craig Tiley said.
“This is probably one of the easiest wildcard choices we have ever had to make. Sam is a former world number one doubles player and top 30 singles player who, with some matches under her belt, will quickly ascend the rankings. I know she will make the most of this opportunity,” he said.
Stosur made the third round at Roland Garros last year and, before her illness, reached a career-high ranking of 27 for eight weeks. She is now ranked 145, having made the semifinal and quarterfinal of two ITF events in the United States. She is due to play Venus Williams in the second round on clay at Rome overnight having comfortably beaten Michaella Krajicek (42) 6-3 6-2 in the first round.
The 22-year-old Smeets will make his Roland Garros debut having earned the right with a successful past twelve months lifting his ranking more than 100 places. Currently ranked 161, Smeets reached a career-high 149 in January.
“Robert continues to do the heard work and is reaping the rewards. I have no doubt his goal is to make the top 100 and if he continues on his path, he will achieve it,” Tiley said.
Speaking from Europe today, AIS Pro Tour Program head coach Brent Larkham said he was confident both players would make the most of the opportunity.
“Sam is growing in strength and match fitness and will be a dangerous opponent at Roland Garros. Robert continues to grow in confidence and develop his game and will really benefit from this opportunity,” Larkham said.