Determined Dokic enters Open playoff

Former world No.4 Jelena Dokic will try and earn a spot in the main draw of the Australian Open by winning a 16-player playoff later this month.

All Australian players ranked inside the world's top 250 players will receive an automatic entry into the playoff, but Dokic, who is now ranked 9999th in the world, had to sign on for the playoff and receive a wildcard position.

The winner of the playoff will receive an entry into the main draw of the Australian Open, and Dokic is hoping that she can revive her career through the event.

"I am very happy with my progress. I'm training several times every day and my fitness level has improved substantially," she said.

"The play-off is a chance to earn a spot in the field for the Australian Open and that is my end goal this summer."

"I am very excited about the summer ahead and looking to play as many matches as I can before the Australian Open. That will include, if I can, trying to play on the Gold Coast and in Hobart."

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley was pleased that Dokic had signed on to play the event.

"It's great to know Jelena is eager to get back competing," he said. "She has been training hard and progressing well."

"The field is going to include a great mix of players, which will amount to exciting tennis."

The playoff commences at Melbourne Park on December 15 and runs through to December 21.