Seles given wild card for Sydney tournament

SYDNEY- Former world No.1 Monica Seles has been given a wildcard for next week’s Sydney International, meaning six of the women’s world top 10 will play in Sydney.

Seles, the world No.4, is in Perth, representing the United States in the Hopman Cup.

World No.1 Martina Hingis headlines the women’s field which includes No.2 Lindsay Davenport, No.5 Conchita Martinez, No.6 Serena Williams and No.8 Anna Kournikova.

France’s Amelie Mauresmo will be back to defend her title.

Organisers have granted Serena and Venus Williams a wildcard to play doubles, although Venus, the world No.3, will not play singles under an unofficial agreement between the sisters that they will not risk competing against each other except in major tournaments.

The pair are the reigning Olympic and Wimbledon doubles champions.

Seles won the Sydney tournament in 1996 and had success at the new venue, winning a bronze medal in the Olympics at the International Tennis Centre at Homebush Bay in September.

In the men’s draw, Australia’s Jason Stoltenberg, who was a finalist last year, has also been granted a wildcard.