A lot can happen in a year – just ask Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens.
Rewind 12 months ago and Bertens competed in Hobart as the world No.104. As the eighth seed in qualifying, she needed to win three matches to earn a place in the main draw.
She continued her good form, stunning fifth seed and 2015 finalist Madison Brengle in the first round, then beat German Annika Beck in the second round. It took third seed, and now world No.5, Dominika Cibulkova to stop her in the quarterfinals.
It was the start of a breakthrough year for the 25-year-old.
She then played a starring role for the Netherlands’ Fed Cup team, upsetting higher-ranked Russians Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ekaterina Makarova to steer their nation into the semifinals for the first time since 1997.
A stunning clay season followed, which included winning her second career WTA singles title in Nurnberg as a qualifier. It was the start of a 12-match winning streak, that ended in the French Open semifinals. The streak included three top 10 wins, including an upset of now world No.1 Angelique Kerber in the first round of Roland Garros.
Wow, the past 3 weeks were crazy, still can't believe it😍 Would like to thank my team, family, friends and fans for all the support!!
— Kiki Bertens (@kikibertens) June 4, 2016
Bertens’ singles ranking soon peaked at a new career-high of No.21.
She also reached a new doubles career-high of No.36 after winning three titles alongside Swede Johanna Larsson during 2016. The duo won the Hobart International doubles title in 2015 and are planning to team up together again this year.
Although 2017 marks Bertens’ third visit to Hobart – this one will be as new experience as she arrives as the highest-ranked player in the field. The world No.22 is also set to be the top seed at a WTA tournament for the first time.
Bertens lost her opening round match in Auckland yesterday – but is feeling upbeat as she turns her attention to Hobart.
Unfortunately not the result I wanted today. The good thing, still a lot to learn and improve.. let's go again tomorrow💪
— Kiki Bertens (@kikibertens) January 3, 2017
Is Bertens your pick to win the 2017 singles title? Join the #HobartTennis conversation and let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.