Christmas has come early for former world No.39 Casey Dellacqua (WA) with confirmation today of a wildcard into the Brisbane International. Dellacqua, sidelined for most of 2009 and 2010 due to shoulder and foot injuries – both of which necessitated surgery, started her return to the game earlier this year and quickly collected a Grand Slam title, taking out the mixed doubles championships at Roland Garros in June.

Since September Dellacqua has swept through the Pro Tour, enjoying a 30-match winning streak with wins in Cairns, Darwin, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Traralgon and Bendigo. Her uninterrupted run broke a nine-year record for consecutive wins on the ITF Pro Circuit.

“I am excited to be able to start off my year in Brisbane,” Dellacqua said today.

“I have only played in the event once before but I am looking forward to returning and seeing all the new facilities following the floods.

“Add to this an extremely strong line-up with Sam [Stosur], Maria [Sharapova], Serena [Williams] and Kim [Clijsters] all attending and it will be a great way to test my skills leading into the Australian Open.”

“After missing most of 2010 with a foot injury I have spent this year building on my confidence and match practice. I now finally feel like I am playing some good tennis and with six Pro Tour event wins under my belt I have the confidence I needed going into the summer.

“I’m really happy with where I am at. I’m hitting the ball well, serving great and doing all the things I should be doing. I feel good and I am looking forward to some tough competition in January.”

“It is an amazing opportunity to be able to play the Australian Open, Brisbane and Hobart without having to worry about qualifying and it is really going to set me up for the year ahead.

“It’s nice to know my summer is set and hopefully I will get a few more wins and gain even more confidence coming into the Australian Open.

“My goal is to get back into the top 100 next year and then once I’m back inside there, I will reassess and this will just help me speed up that process. I am really excited and pleased to be rewarded with these wildcards and plan to make the most of the opportunity I have been given.”

“Casey’s worked very hard and is now starting to reap the rewards,” Tennis Australia/AIS coach Chris Johnstone said.

“It’s been a gradual progression and although she’s playing really well, she understands she’ll need to step it up now. The past few months have been great for her confidence and to get all those matches under her belt is great preparation and a good base going into next year into the bigger tournaments.”

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said it is great to add another Australian to the women’s draw and to see Dellacqua back in form.

“First of all it is great to see Casey back playing high level tennis again after two injury interrupted years. She has worked hard to get herself back to this position, and thoroughly deserves this wildcard into Brisbane after a remarkable run of six unbeaten weeks on the Australian Pro Tour,“ Pearson said.

“We look forward to welcoming her back, and hope that Brisbane can give her the kickstart for 2012 Casey is after to climb the world rankings again.”

Dellacqua was also awarded wildcards into the Australian Open main draw and the Moorilla Hobart International today.

Brisbane International 2012 series packages and single sessions are on sale now.

Tickets start from as little as $14.90 for ground passes and can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au/brisbaneinternational or call 1300 888 104.