Burgeoning Queensland talent Lizette Cabrera has been handed the final wildcard entry into the Australian Open main draw.

The 20-year-old, who was born and raised in Townsville but is now based in Brisbane, finished last season strongly with quarter-final appearances in the WTA tournaments in Taipei and Hong Kong and is ranked No.152 in the world.

“I had a taste of what it’s like playing a home grand slam last year, and I can’t wait to get back to the courts at Melbourne Park in a couple of weeks’ time,” Cabrera said.

“I’m really happy how things are going with my tennis … This year I’m looking to play more matches on the WTA Tour, and this wildcard is the perfect opportunity for me to start 2018 with a bang.”

Australia’s Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik described Cabrera as one of the country’s best prospects and said she deserved the honour, which also allows her to play in the Hobart International, which begins on Sunday.

Cabrera was overlooked for a wildcard at the Brisbane International and failing to come through qualifying.

She joins fellow Australians Desanee Aiava, Jaimee Fourlis, Olivia Rogowska and internationals Victoria Azarenka, Wang Zinuyu, Jessika Ponchet and Kristie Ahn in the wildcard ranks at the Open.