Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Victoria’s Tammi Patterson and 2014 champion Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) have been awarded wildcards into the main draw of Apia International Sydney 2016, joining the stellar line-up of WTA stars.

Patterson, who was awarded a main draw wildcard into the Australian Open in November last year after stand-out performances on the Australian Pro-Tour, will be making her main draw debut in Sydney.

Pironkova has a happy history with Sydney, winning eight straight matches to come from qualifying and win the title in 2014 and then losing to eventual champion Petra Kvitova (CZE) in the semifinals last year.

Four others will join them in the main draw, with women’s qualifying underway tomorrow from 10:00am. Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) and Varvara Lepchenko (USA) will lead the charge, with Aussies Olivia Tjandramulia (Qld), Storm Sanders (WA), Arina Rodionova (Vic) and Olivia Rogowska (Vic) also in action.

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.