WORLD champion Rafael Nadal will be Warrnambool's official representative in the 2015 Australian Open.
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Thanks to the city's efforts in Tennis Australia's AO Blitz, Warrnambool will win a swag of prizes if the Spaniard is able to raise his 15th Grand Slam title aloft.
Port Fairy will be represented by two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka, Cobden has secured former world number-six Fernando Verdasco, former world number-five Daniela Hantuchova will be playing for Koroit, and Kolora Tennis Club will be represented by Zarina Diyas.
In the AO Blitz, points were earned by clubs, schools and individuals for completing tennis-related activities, with Warrnambool finishing fifth nationally.
The top 256 towns were awarded players in the men's or women's singles draw.
Warrnambool City Council events and promotions manager Merran Fyfe said it was fantastic to have such a high-profile player linked with Warrnambool.
"Rafael Nadal is one of the most recognisable athletes in the world and I hope our connection with him can raise the profile of Warrnambool," Ms Fyfe said.
"To finish in the top six of the AO Blitz two years in a row shows the passion for tennis we have in Warrnambool.
"I would like to thank everyone who played their part in getting Warrnambool to number five and earning our city such a great player."
Prizes for the town or city whose player wins the Open include a permanent AO Tennis Blitz street sign, a personalised message from the champion, signed memorabilia and a visit from the Australian Open trophy.
A full list of towns which were allocated players is available at www.tennis.com.au.
