Tennis Australia confirmed today that former world No.8 Alicia Molik will receive a main draw wildcard into the final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open, which will be staged in New York from 28 August – 10 September.

The 25-year-old Athens bronze medallist reached her career-best ranking following impressive results during the second half of 2004 and early 2005 – a period which netted her an Olympic singles medal, four titles and an Australian Open quarterfinal appearance – before she was sidelined by vestibular neuronitis.

The South Australian made her comeback to professional tennis in May this year, and reached the third round of the French Open.

Recently Molik represented Australia in its Fed Cup World Group II play-off against Switzerland and lost close first round matches at tournaments in Stockholm and Montreal.

During this period she improved her ranking from 508 in May to its current mark of 202.

Molik made her main draw US Open debut in 1999, and achieved her best results at the Grand Slam in 2001 and 2003 when she reached the third round.

Partnering Todd Woodbridge, Molik also made the final of the mixed doubles at the US Open in 2004.

Tennis Australia