Veteran Lleyton Hewitt and teenager Ashleigh Barty have been awarded Tennis Australia’s wildcards into the main draw of the French Open.
Hewitt, who had foot surgery in February, has made a speedier than expected recovery and has been training well on clay.
“I’m looking forward to playing the French Open especially after missing it last year due to injury,” Hewitt said.
Junior Wimbledon champion Barty is also looking forward to another grand slam challenge.
“I’m thrilled to compete in the main draw of the French Open for the first time and test my game against the world’s best.
“Thank you to Tennis Australia for believing in me enough to give me this opportunity and I will do my best to make everyone proud.”
At No.327 in the world, Barty, a member of the AIS Pro Tour program, is one of only two 16-year-olds in the top 330.
The teenager has reached the final of three Pro Tour events so far this year, winning in Sydney and Mildura and finishing as runner-up in Ipswich.
She is currently competing in Europe.
Hewitt, a three-times quarter-finalist at Roland Garros, wasn’t expected back until the grasscourt season but returns for his 12th French campaign.
“It’s great to see Lleyton back from injury and we are very pleased to be able to reward his efforts with this wildcard,” Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said.
“We are also delighted to give another grand slam opportunity to Ash, whose commitment, work ethic and professionalism have seen her rise rapidly through the pro ranks.”
Hewitt and Barty will join women’s fifth seed Samantha Stosur, Jarmila Gajdosova, Casey Dellacqua, Anastasia Rodionova, men’s 32nd seed Bernard Tomic and Matt Ebden in the main draw at Roland Garros.
A reciprocal agreement between the French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia allows TA to select two Australian players for the claycourt grand slam event starting on May 27.