Swede Johanna Larsson and Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens are having a week to remember at the Hobart International.
Both will play in singles quarterfinals today and tomorrow will team up in a doubles semifinal. The duo won their first WTA Tour doubles title together here last year, so it is no secret that it is a tournament that holds a special place in their hearts.
“We’re playing well in singles – we’re both in the quarterfinals and semis of doubles and we did good last year here, so I think we like it here,” Bertens said.
The world No.103 Dutchwoman has won five singles matches so far this week, coming through qualifying to reach today’s quarterfinals. Her second round win against world No.56 Annika Beck was particularly impressive, winning 10 of the last 11 games in a dominant and confident performance.
> Read about Bertens’ round two win
The quietly-spoken Larsson might not have been making headlines with her performances this week, but still upset sixth seed Barbora Strycova in the first round and then dispatched big-hitting Margarita Gasparyan to earn her quarterfinal spot.
“It’s been a few wins so far so we’re very happy about that,” said the No.54 ranked Larsson. “We’re both playing some good tennis here in Hobart, so things are looking good.”
Before they take to the court today, we asked our 2015 doubles champions a few questions to find out more about them…
HI: Can you describe your personalities for us in three words.
Larsson: Calm, nice and happy.
Bertens: Not so calm (laughs), also happy but insecure.
If were not a tennis player what would you be?
Larsson: A vet.
Bertens: I have no idea, tennis is the only thing I can do (laughs).
What did your school reports used to say?
Larsson: Doing what was necessary. I’m not very good at school.
Bertens: I think I was pretty good at school, it was quite easy for me.
Finally, what is your favourite Australian animal – kangaroo or koala?
Larsson: Kangaroo. They are really cute and you can take a funny selfie with them.
Bertens: For me also kangaroos. Last year we went to the park here together (Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary) and we had a really nice time.
> Read a preview of today’s quarterfinals
Can Larsson and Bertens continue their winning runs here at Hobart International 2016? Let us know what you think by joining the #HobartTennis conversation on social media – Twitter or Facebook.