Happy memories came flooding back for Australian wildcard and crowd favourite Jarmila Wolfe when she arrived in Hobart this week.
Wolfe (nee Gajdosova) landed late on Friday night, but was one of the first players on the practice court early on Saturday morning. The 28-year-old won the Hobart International in 2011, so it is no wonder she enjoys coming back to the Domain Tennis Centre.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been here, but it is very exciting to be back,” Wolfe said.
“You always enjoy coming back to places where you have done well. It’s a great spot and I like the view from the centre court, so I hope I get to play there for a few matches.”
Wolfe, now ranked No.105, is a wildcard entry in this week’s field but believes she can make another title run.
“I’m very grateful for the wildcard. Obviously I have great memories here and would like to repeat them,” she said.
Wolfe, who has struggled with mononucleosis (glandular fever) and its after effects for the past two seasons, is hoping for a healthier and more successful 2016.
“Last year my whole claycourt and grass season I was sick and it’s been difficult to recover and find the rhythm in my game. But I’ve had a good offseason and start to the year, so I hope to keep it up,” she said.
“I want to stay healthy and get my game back on track. Getting in the Olympic Games is my big picture this year, as well as getting my ranking back in the top 50.”
Wolfe started the new season by representing Australia Gold at the Hopman Cup in Perth last week.
“Hopman Cup is a great event and I was very fortunate and honoured to get to play with Lleyton in his last Hopman Cup,” she said. “It meant a lot to me and I hope I made his memories enjoyable as well.”
Wolfe played three top 20 opponents at the tournament – world No.1 Serena Williams, world No.11 Karolina Pliskova and world No.19 Elina Svitolina.
“It was definitely very tough,” she said. “But it was good practice and to be guaranteed three tough matches at the start of the year was good and hopefully I can take some confidence from it and play well here.”
Wolfe starts her Hobart International 2016 campaign against 18-year-old Japanese qualifier Naomi Osaka. It is the first match on centre court today.
> See today’s full order of play
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