Defending champion Elise Mertens loves Hobart’s picturesque nature and Romanian Sorana Cirstea, the tournament’s No.3 seed, is a fan of the city’s low-key vibe. So it’s no surprise both are feeling relaxed ahead of the first round matches.
“I like the relaxed way, I think it’s nice before a Grand Slam,” Cirstea said.
“Usually it is very busy, very crazy but you come to Hobart and everyone is so laid back. It’s very chilled, everyone is so nice and helpful. I’m always happy when I can play here.”
For Mertens, her second visit follows her title breakthrough as a qualifier last year.
“I’m in a different position this year,” she said.
“But it’s where it all started, so I’m really happy to be back.”
MORE: Mertens on her Hobart return
Two of the highest-ranked players competing at this year’s Hobart International, Cirstea and Mertens made a special visit to Coal River Farm on Sunday to try their hand at chocolate making.
Mertens begins her title defence against Japanese qualifier Kurumi Nara, a semifinalist in Hobart in 2015.
The 22-year-old has the chance to become the first player to win back-to-back titles at Hobart, but said she wasn’t feeling too much pressure.
“The pressure you just build it yourself,” she said. “I’ll just give everything I have every match and we’ll see how it ends.”
Cirstea faces Hobart International 2015 champion Heather Watson, who qualified for this year’s main draw, in the opening round.
“I feel I’m building up the form and hopefully it will show here,” Cirstea said.
With a strong field competing for this year’s title, Cirstea is relishing the challenge.
“It’s good to play the top players, you want to know where you are after not competing for almost three months,” she said.