The Hobart International has been impacted by a number of late withdrawals – and German Andrea Petkovic has felt the repercussions.
The former world No.9 was originally drawn to play fifth seed Misaki Doi, but a draw reshuffle then pitted her against ninth seed Naomi Osaka. When a wrist injury forced Osaka to withdraw late yesterday, Petkovic’s opponent was unknown until today’s lucky loser sign-in deadline.
American Nicole Gibbs filled the spot – which Petkovic learnt 90 minutes before today’s first round match.
“It was so difficult, I had three different opponents over the last three days,” Petkovic laughed. “I really didn’t know, so in the end I was just like ‘I’m just going to go out on court and see what happens’.
“My coach is not here with me this week, so he texted me and told me to prepare for a leftie because I was supposed to play Doi. So I desperately tried to find a leftie to hit with and once I found someone, they changed it to Osaka. So then he was like ‘find someone who hits really hard’, so I was desperately trying to find someone, then it wasn’t Osaka and I didn’t know who I was playing so it was weird, but it’s okay.”
World No.55 Petkovic had never played the No.90-ranked Gibbs – but only needed 60 minutes to post a 6-4 6-0 victory on Court Events Tasmania.
“I started well then I had a little letdown in the middle of the first set,” Petkovic said. “I thought I played really well in the second set. I was more aggressive and confident.”
The German, who played in the Mastercard Hopman Cup last week, is enjoying her first visit to Hobart.
“I love it! I was so surprised by the landscape. I don’t know what I expected but it is very different to (other parts of) Australia somehow and the people are just so nice,” she said. “I always get attached to the people at places, so this is a great combination of really beautiful landscape and very friendly people. I’ve felt very welcomed here.”
Petkovic faces Paraguayan lucky loser Veronica Cepede Royg, who defeated Dutchwoman Cindy Burger 6-0 3-6 6-3 earlier today, in the second round.