American Christina McHale’s singles run at Hobart International 2016 is over, but the 23-year-old remains in contention in the doubles.
After being eliminated in straight sets by fourth seeded Romanian Monica Niculescu in first round singles action yesterday, McHale is back on court today in a round one doubles match. She is teaming up with China’s Xinyun Han. They take on the British combination of Jocelyn Rae and Anna Smith in the second match on Court Events Tasmania.
We caught up with McHale, who reached a career-high singles rank of No.24 in 2012, to find out a bit more about her…
HI: Welcome back to Hobart. What are your thoughts on the city?
McHale: I really like it here. It’s beautiful.
Can you describe your personality in three words for us?
Calm, quiet and… I don’t know a third one.
What is your worst habit?
Not knowing the answers to these questions! I just don’t have any bad habits, I’m perfect (laughs). Um, I guess I do say ‘um’ a lot.
What is your first tennis memory?
Playing with my sister and my mum. I was six years old when I first started playing.
What did your school report used to say about you?
I was a very good student.
If you were on a reality television show, would it be a cooking, dancing or singing one?
Definitely not dancing or singing, so I guess the only option left is cooking. I love Cuban food. I’m half Cuban, so the food that my grandma makes is my favourite.
What is your favourite Australian animal – kangaroo or koala?
Koala. They just seem so nice and cuddly, although I went and saw one and it wasn’t that friendly.
What are you hoping 2016 brings for you?
Hopefully I can make the improvements in my game that I worked on in the off-season and just have a lot of fun and enjoy the season.
Can McHale and Han take out the 2016 Hobart International doubles title? Tell us what you think, join the #HobartTennis conversation on social media – Twitter or Facebook.