Overwhelmed by a stomach virus, the Novocastrian was carried off the court and forced to retire from the women’s final last year while leading 6-3, 1-2 against Illawarra’s Stephanie Bengson.

It was the 34-year-old’s first competitive singles event since retiring from professional tennis after the 2008 Australian Open.

She has not played singles since last year’s Newcastle tournament.

Now a coach, the 1994 Junior Australian Open champion’s only competitive play has been as an occasional doubles partner for her promising students.

Her only training has been as a hitting partner for her juniors.

But the sickening memory of last year’s decider and a sense of unfinished business at District Park Tennis Club was enough for her to lodge an entry form on the last day of acceptances two weeks ago.

‘‘I woke up sick that day [last year] and Mum drove me there with a bucket on my lap. I couldn’t even drive myself there,’’ Musgrave said.

‘‘I played a set and was up a set, but then I couldn’t play any more.

‘‘I was carried off and I can’t remember much after that. I was not in a good way. ‘‘Hopefully I’ll feel a lot better this year.’’

Musgrave has been seeded fourth for the event and will face stiff opposition from world No.627 Emelyn Starr.

The 22-year-old from Tamworth is the only WTA-ranked player in the draw and will team with Musgrave in the doubles.

Lismore’s Brendan Moore, a 25-year-old with a world ranking of 632, is the top seed in the men’s draw.

Big-serving Sam Groth is the second seed. The 24-year-old is No. 786 in the world but has a highest ranking of 220.

Qualifying starts on Saturday. The main draw begins on Sunday and the finals are set down for Wednesday.