Elise Mertens is attempting to do what no player has done in Hobart International history – win back-to-back singles titles.
The world No.36 made a perfect start with a straight-sets first round win yesterday. Now, she has Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia in her sights.
“It’s going to be an interesting match,” Mertens said. “She’s tall, is a big server and a leftie too, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Mertens plays the world No.71 in the second match on Centre Court.
The Belgian’s growing fan base in Hobart will also get to see her in action later in the day, when she teams up with Dutchwoman Demi Schuurs for a first round doubles showdown against another former Hobart champion, Mona Barthel and her Polish partner Magda Linette.
Other must-see matches on the day three schedule include:
(8) Katerina Siniakova (CZE) v Alison Riske (USA)
Centre Court, first match at noon
Head-to-head: Siniakova leads 2-0
Czech Katerina Siniakova defeated former world No.1 Maria Sharapova in a run to the Shenzhen final last week, now she’s hoping to continue that impressive form in Hobart. She faces Hobart International 2015 semifinalist Alison Riske in the first round.
(6) Irina-Camelia Begu (ROU) v (Q) Monica Niculescu (ROU)
West Court, first match at noon
Head-to-head: Niculescu leads 1-0
Fed Cup team-mates and sometimes doubles partners Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu face-off in an all-Romanian battle. This is a first round match, delayed after Begu won the doubles title in Shenzhen last week.
Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) v Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER)
West Court, second match
Head-to-head: First career meeting
Can 29-year-old Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu reach her second WTA-level quarterfinal? Standing in her way is German Anna-Lena Friedsam on the comeback from a shoulder injury.
Donna Vekic (CRO) v Marketa Vondrousova (CZE)
Centre Court, third match
Head-to-head: First career meeting
This second round showdown promises to feature some big-hitting from two of the brightest young stars in the women’s game. Both are making their debut in Hobart this year – who will earn a quarterfinal spot?
(5) Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) v Yulia Putintseva (KAZ)
Centre Court, not before 6pm
Head-to-head: Putintseva leads 2-0
This twilight match featuring 2017 semifinalist Lesia Tsurenko is great value for fans wanting to take advantage of the newly-introduced $10 after 5pm ticket. Putintseva will be a tough opponent, so expected a fierce contest.
It’s not too late to book tickets – and don’t forget this year kids can enter for free with a paying adult.
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