Tournament officials announced this week that a compelling line-up of Top 50 WTA players is expected to compete at the 2015 edition of the event. The entry list includes Sloane Stephes, Heather Watson, and former champion Mona Barthel.

Stephens reached the semi-final at this event in 2013and will be looking to replicate those efforts in the coming year. This is just the second time that the young American will take part in the tournament.

Following a tough 2013 season marred with injuries and illness, Watson stormed back onto the tennis scene this year and rose over 65 places in the rankings to regain the title of British No. 1.

“We are excited to host 23 of the world’s top 60 female players in January as the event continues to provide a platform for players to get match ready ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year,” Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley said. “With Casey leading a field that includes Sloane, Heather and former champion Mona we have a group of extremely talented female athletes that have the pedigree to produce some highly competitive matches to be enjoyed by our Tasmanian sporting fans.

“We invite the local community to come out and support the players and enjoy a day out at the tennis.”

Also confirmed for the event is Kirsten Flipkens, Monica Niculescu, Roberta Vinci and Kaia Kanepi.

The Hobart International, take place at the Domain Tennis Centre from 11 to 17 January 2015.