Bernard Tomic will partner 2011 US Open winner Sam Stosur in Australia’s Hopman Cup campaign this summer, but the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray won’t be seen at the mixed-teams event.
And tournament director Steve Ayles hopes Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli will reverse her decision to retire and make the trek to Perth for the December 28-January 4 tournament.
Tomic beat world No.1 Novak Djokovic at last year’s Hopman Cup, and went on to make the third round of the Australian Open before losing to Federer.
The 20-year-old also reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, despite dealing with the distraction of his father’s court case.
John Tomic is facing charges of assault after allegedly head-butting Bernard’s former hitting partner Thomas Drouet in May.
Bernard Tomic had set his sights on breaking into the world’s top 10 this year, but his inconsistent form has left him in 52nd spot on the rankings.
Australia haven’t won the Hopman Cup since Mark Philippoussis and Jelena Dokic went all the way in 1999.
But hopes are high that Tomic and world No.13 Stosur can break the 15-year title drought.
However, they will face a stern challenge from debutants Poland, who will boast world No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska and Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz.
And if Bartoli comes out of retirement to partner world No.8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, France will also fancy their chances.
Ayles says Serbia’s glamour pairing of Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic are still in the frame to make another appearance, but Nadal, Federer and Murray have already committed elsewhere.
America’s world No.14 John Isner is a strong chance to return, with event organisers hopeful of partnering him with either Venus or Serena Williams, or rising star Sloane Stephens.
Stosur opted to skip the Hopman Cup last year in favour of playing at the Brisbane International.
The move backfired, with the 29-year-old crashing out in the first round of the Brisbane event before making a second-round exit Australian Open.
In Perth, she will be guaranteed at least three singles and three doubles matches.