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Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin awarded Sydney International wildcards

Australia's Jordan Thompson and Alexei Popyrin have received a Sydney International wildcard, the tournament announced.

Thompson, 24, is set to make his fourth main draw appearance in Sydney. 

The Australian failed to make it past the Sydney qualifying event in 2013 and 2014.

The 24-year-old eventually debuted at the Sydney event in 2016 after being given a wildcard. 

Thompson, ranked at No. 72 in the world, reached back-to-back Sydney round-of-16 in 2016 and 2017 before he lost his opener at the tournament in 2018. 

Sydneysider Thompson will certainly be motivated to put on a good campaign in front of his fans, friends and family. 

"It's a real privilege to be awarded a wildcard for the Sydney International, and I'd like to thank Tennis Australia for the opportunity. I love playing in my home city, the fans are great and the tournament is world class," Thompson said per the tournament's website. 

Meanwhile, rising star Popyrin will be making his second Sydney appearance this coming January. 

Popyrin, the 2017 French Open boys' singles junior champion, earned a place in the 2018 Sydney main draw after winning two qualifying matches. 

The 19-year-old failed to register a main draw win in his Sydney debut as he lost to fellow compatriot John Millman in the first round. 

Popyrin never recovered from losing a tight opening set to Millman as he was beaten in the end 7-6 (4) 6-0. 

The Sydney International is due to take place a week before the Australian Open, from January 06-12. 

Also read: Jason Kubler suffers early-season setback as he withdraws from Brisbane International

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from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2BPxx8Y

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