Teenager wins wild card for Australian Open

Teenager Bernard Tomic has been granted a wild card for next week’s Australian Open along with Carsten Ball, Sally Peers and Sophie Ferguson, Tennis Australia announced today.

Tomic, who controversially cited illness when he pulled out of last month’s wild-card play-off, earned his spot after showcasing his talent in qualifying for the Sydney International.

The world number 209 defeated Russian Igor Kunitsyn (101), German Michael Berrer (60) and Poland’s Lukasz Kubot (72) to book a first-round date in Sydney with Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.

Ball had some solid results last year on the American challenger circuit, while he also won first-round matches at the French Open and US Open.

Victorian Peers enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2010, winning through to the second round of the US Open, where she made a memorable centre court debut against champion Kim Clijsters.

Ferguson reached a career-high ranking of 119 in June after reaching the second round at Roland Garros before falling to eventual champion Francesca Schiavone.

The rest of the local talent will look to win their spot in the main draw when qualifying begins at Melbourne Park tomorrow.