American Bethanie Mattek-Sands may be one of the oldest players in the Hobart International field, but the colourful 30-year-old is starting the new season with a spring in her step.
It follows an outstanding 2015 season, which saw her climb back into the world’s top 60 in singles after a long injury lay-off. Her biggest highlights came on the doubles court, winning three Grand Slam titles to finish the year as world No.3. Mattek-Sands won the Australian Open and French Open women’s doubles titles alongside Czech Lucie Safarova. She also won the French Open mixed doubles title with fellow American Mike Bryan.
A finalist at the Hobart International in 2011, Mattek-Sands said she was excited to be back.
“It’s been a few years, but it’s good to be back,” she said. “I have great memories here. I lost to Jarks here (Jarmila Wolfe in the 2011 final), who is one of my good friends, but I’m back, I’m feeling good and healthy so I’m excited to go.”
In her first visit to Hobart in four years, Mattek-Sands has been dealt a tough opening match against former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Yet the American can take confidence from an unbeaten record in their two previous matches.
Before Mattek-Sands hits the court today, we posed five questions to get to know her better…
HI: Welcome back to Hobart! Can you describe your personality to us in three words?
Mattek-Sands: Funky, spunky and outgoing.
If you were on a reality television show, would it be a cooking, dancing or singing one?
Cooking. I like to bake to be specific. My husband is the grill master, but I do a lot of baking. My specialities are sweet potato pie and lemon scones. I’m gluten-free and dairy-free, so I do a lot of vegan muffins and stuff like that.
What did your school report used to say?
It’s been a while since I’ve had a school report! My school reports used to say I was great in everything but math.
What are you hoping 2016 brings for you?
You know what, I’m just excited to have some fun. My body is feeling great and I’m enjoying tennis more than ever. Unfortunately my doubles partner (Lucie Safarova) can’t play with me at the beginning of this year, so hopefully she gets better, but I’m still excited for 2016.
Finally, what is your favourite Australian animal – kangaroo or koala?
Koala. They are so soft, I’ve held one! I love koalas. I mean, kangaroos are great too. I’ve gone to a park and patted them, but there is just something about the koala.
How do you rate Mattek-Sands’ chances against Bouchard today? Tell us what you think, join the #HobartTennis conversation on social media – Twitter and Facebook.