China's Zheng Jie will head Down Under in January ahead of the Australian Open to compete in the Hobart International, organisers said Wednesday.

Zheng, 25, overcame an injury-plagued 2007 to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon in July, becoming the first Chinese player to ever reach the last eight.

She defeated then No.1 Ana Ivanovic in straight sets along the way before ceding to Serena Williams.

"Zheng has had an outstanding year on the tour and has really come of age," director of the Hobart tournament Michael Roberts said.

"She has come a long way since winning the tournament here in 2005 and everyone is looking forward to watching her play again."

Zheng, now ranked world number 25, will be the second-highest ranked player after Swiss number 14 Patty Schnyder at the January 9-16 Hobart tournament on the southern Australian island of Tasmania.

AFP

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