German Carina Witthoeft is a rising star of women’s tennis.
After a first round loss in Hobart International qualifying in 2015, Witthoeft made a breakthrough run at the Australian Open. She upset higher-ranked opponents Carla Suarez Navarro and Christina McHale as she reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
The 20-year-old returns to Hobart with a new career-high rank of No.49, achieved in August. She is proving a popular figure here, with her big smile and gracious nature winning lots of new fans when she took part in yesterday’s Kids Tennis Day.
We caught up with the bubbly Witthoeft before her Hobart International main draw debut for a Q&A session to get to know her better…
HI: Welcome back to Hobart. What are your thoughts on our city?
Witthoeft: It is small here, but so nice. I’ve already spent some time at the port, I enjoy the time here very much.
What are your goals for 2016?
Of course it is to be better with the ranking, but I try not to only look at the ranking. I want to improve my game and put this into my matches too and hopefully doing well in WTA tournaments, making semifinals or finals.
If you weren’t a tennis player what would you be?
My sister is studying fashion management and I’m also interested in this, so I think I would do that.
What is your favourite Australian animal – kangaroo or koala?
Oh that is a tough question! They are both so cute, but I think koala. I got to cuddle one during the Australian Open.
What is your biggest fear?
I would say spiders.
What is your favourite breakfast?
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes.
If you were on a reality television show, would it be a cooking, dancing or singing one?
Maybe a dancing one. I don’t do it so much, but I like it.
Witthoeft kicks off her Hobart International campaign today against Belgian eighth seed Alison Van Uytvanck. The German has won two of their three previous matches, including their most recent one in May 2015.
How do you rate Witthoeft’s chances at Hobart International 2016? Tell us what you think by joining the #HobartTennis conversation on social media – Twitter and Facebook.