Scud confirmed Wildcard at Adelaide International

Australian Mark Philippoussis was today confirmed as the first main draw wildcard recipient into the 2006 Next Generation Adelaide International.

The wildcard will see Philippoussis return to contest the event for the second time in his career. The 28-year-old Victorian previously competed in Adelaide back in 2002, also as a wildcard entry, and finished runner-up to Brit Tim Henman in a thrilling three set final.

Co-tournament director Peter Johnston, recently appointed as Tennis Australia’s General Manager – Events, said, “It’s great to be able to welcome Mark back to Adelaide. He’s a two-time Grand Slam finalist, a star of the game and his recent quarterfinal appearance in Metz indicates he’s working hard to re-build his ranking.

“Tennis fans love his explosive brand of tennis, with a prime example being the huge numbers that turned out to support him in the 2002 final.

“This tournament is committed to providing Australia’s men the best possible preparation for the Australian Open and as many opportunities as it can for those players trying to break through and compete at the highest level.

“So in addition, we will be holding a pre-qualifying play-off for 16 promising Australian players with two berths in qualifying on the line,” Johnston said.

The pre-qualifying tournament will take place from Wednesday 28 – Thursday 29 December at Next Generation Clubs, Memorial Drive. Last year, the two spots were won by young South Australian Todd Ley and Victorian Rameez Junaid.

The rejuvenated Next Generation Adelaide International is on track for another blockbuster tournament in 2006 with world No.4 Lleyton Hewitt having already confirmed his place in the player field.

Hewitt returned to play the tournament in his hometown in 2005 as part of a revised preparation schedule for the Australian Open. Despite going down to Taylor Dent in a bumper quarterfinal match, Hewitt went on to record his best ever Australian Open result a few weeks later where he became the first Australian since Pat Cash in 1988 to reach the final.

The Adelaide International will take place from Monday 2 – Sunday 8 January 2006.