“I just love the feeling of playing tennis. When you’re forced not to do something you love, you realise how much you truly love it and for me, how much I missed it,” Canadian Eugenie Bouchard is excited to be back on court in 2016.
“It’s my first time here and it feels pretty good,” Australian Open 2014 finalist Dominika Cibulkova enjoyed her first visit to Hobart.
“I like to see my pictures on the walls,” returning champion Heather Watson was impressed to see her 2015 winners photo was added to the tournament’s wall of champions.
“Every time someone hits the ball to me I freak out a little bit,” Japanese qualifier Naomi Osaka on why she needs to get better at calming her nerves.
“I feel really at home here. I’m really comfortable, really relaxed. I like the courts and the weather… sometimes – it can be a little windy and rainy but I know it from home, so I think the conditions suit me well,” ninth seed Mona Barthel, our 2012 champion, explains why she keeps coming back to Hobart.
“I go through so many emotions in the match, I fell and it was total drama sometimes,” our 2016 finalist Alize Cornet on her epic three-hour second round match that involved 22 breaks of serves.
“First of all, I’m a mother now so it is already different. I have improved as a player too. It is a different story to six years ago when I was still young, I didn’t have too much experience but year by year, you learn more things. It’s a nice feeling to improve,” German Tatjana Maria on what has changed since her last visit to Hobart six years ago.
“I’m so excited, I can’t believe it,” Australian wildcard Zoe Hives after recording her first WTA Tour level win in round one of qualifying.
“It’s great seeing the kids enjoying tennis. It is a great game to play and whenever we get a chance as tennis players to promote it I think it is an awesome thing,” Brit Johanna Konta on being involved in Kids Tennis Day.
“I’ve been surprised at how warm and welcoming everyone has been here, it’s been really nice to see. It makes me really happy to play here,” former world No.5 and our 2016 finalist Eugenie Bouchard has been impressed with Hobart.
“It’s been a few years since I’ve been here, but it is very exciting to be back,” our 2011 champion Jarmila Wolfe on her return to Hobart after a four year absence.
“Tennis is a very mental thing, you can get up-and-down very, very easy,” third seed Dominika Cibulkova on fighting back from a 1-6 deficit in a first set tiebreak in her round one match.
“I’m happy I can play here in Hobart. I love it here,” fourth seed Monica Niculescu is a regular entrant in the Hobart International.
“I’ve known Kim since she was very little, so for me it’s kind of actually surreal to have known her since she was 12 then be on the same side. It just shows how old I am and how long I’ve been playing,” 28-year-old Jarmila Wolfe on teaming up with 17-year-old Kimberly Birrell in doubles this week.
“I don’t know what it is, but I really like it here,” Brit Heather Watson on playing at the Domain Tennis Centre.
“I don’t know how to say it in English but like when you have a strong character and get a bit angry sometimes – like a volcano, you get angry really fast,” seventh seed Alize Cornet describing her personality.
“I thought it was a bit of a long shot asking her to play doubles with me and I was so happy when she said yes. It’s been really awesome,” 17-year-old Australian Kimberly Birrell on playing doubles with compatriot Jarmila Wolfe this week.
“I’m feeling good in my body, but I’m quite tired,” Swede Johanna Larsson after finishing her quarterfinal match after 2am on Thursday morning.
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