Hewitt, Goffin, Shvedova get wildcard for Wimbledon

London: Former champion Lleyton Hewitt is one of 13 players to receive a wildcard entry to this year’s Wimbledon tennis tournament, organisers confirmed. Australian Hewitt beat David Nalbandian in the 2002 final, but the 31-year-old is now ranked 176th in the world. The list also includes 34-year-old Tommy Haas of Germany, who was a Wimbledon semifinalist in 2009. [caption id=“attachment_342374” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Belgian world No 109 David Goffin, who reached the quarterfinals of his first ever French Open before losing to Roger Federer, was given a wildcard. Reuters”] [/caption] Belgian world No 109 David Goffin, who reached the quarterfinals of his first ever French Open before losing to Roger Federer, also got a wildcard, as did surprise French Open women’s quarterfinalist Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan. Former world No 16 Virginie Razzano, from France, is also included on the list. Wimbledon traditionally grants entries to British players who would not otherwise qualify, and this year is no different. British men Jamie Baker, Oliver Golding, Josh Goodall and James Ward all benefit, as do Naomi Broady, Johanna Konta, Laura Robson and Heather Watson in the women’s draw. Wimbledon takes place from 25 June to 8 July. IANS