WIMBLEDON quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic, the highest ranked Australian on the ATP world rankings at 72, has agreed to play in the ATP Malaysian Open on Sept 24-Oct 2 at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 19-year-old, who is one of the most talked about young tennis stars in the world, hopes to carry his outstanding form since the start of the year with an ATP 250 title to Kuala Lumpur.
Tomic has, however, won two Challenger events, both in Australia since turning professional three years ago.
The talented youngster claimed two junior grand slam titles in the 2008 Australian Open and a year later, at the US Open.
Tomic, nicknamed "A-Tomic", thrilled the crowd at this year's Wimbledon by reaching the quarter-finals as a qualifier before going down to Serbia's eventual champion and World No 1 Noval Djokovic in four sets.
He will be making his second straight appearance in the Malaysian Open. Last year, Tomic was beaten by Spain's David Ferrer in the first round.
Tomic, who hopes to sizzle in KL, said: "I believe that I'm only a few matches away from winning a title. I know what my goals are now. My performance at Wimbledon has shown me what I'm capable of doing in the future," said Tomic.
"I am looking forward to playing in KL. I enjoyed being in the city last year and, hopefully, the week there will be a great one."
The tournament, which is one of only five World Tour stops in Asia, carries a total prize money of US$947,750 (RM2.9 million) and features a 28-player singles main draw and 16 doubles.
Some of the best players in the world are expected to play in the event and among the confirmed entries are Russia's defending champion Mikhail Youzhny and compatriot Nikolay Davydenko, who won the 2009 inaugural competition.
Tickets for the Malaysia Open are available at www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com or www.Ticketpro.com.
