The Domain Tennis Centre looks a little different since Michaella Krajicek’s first visit, not that the Dutchwoman is surprised. She’s well aware how things quickly can change, a lesson she’s learnt in a challenging career.
“The court colour has changed, the stadium is way bigger – it was nothing like this 12 years ago,” she said. “But, it’s still the same beautiful views.”
Krajicek won the Hobart International singles title as 17-year-old in 2006, a perfect debut that helped her break into the world’s top 50.
“It’s always nice to go somewhere where you’ve done well in the past,” Krajicek said.
“I definitely have very good memories here. I won this tournament – I can’t believe I’m saying this – but 12 years ago already.”
Krajicek admits memories can fade quickly in the sport – “that is tennis. Every year, every week rankings are changing and you have to move on” – but her title-winning run in Hobart is something she remembers well.
“I do remember the final especially well because I actually played a good friend of mine and someone I’m still good friends with, Iveta Benesova,” she said.
More highs quickly followed for the promising teen. She made a Wimbledon quarterfinal the following year, a Grand Slam event her older brother Richard won in 1996, and set a career-high singles ranking of No.30 in 2008. But her momentum was stalled by injuries that have continued to hamper her for the past decade.
Krajicek’s fourth visit to Hobart comes after spending eight months sidelined last year following a fifth knee surgery.
“It was a really tough year last year, probably the toughest I’ve had,” Krajicek said.
Yet through all the challenges, Krajicek’s resilience and passion for the sport remains strong.
“I’m only 28 (she turns 29 this week) so I feel like I’ve got some good tennis still in me,” she said.
“I still enjoy playing, and I want to prove to myself that I can get some good results.”
Her singles ranking has fallen to No.709 and her current doubles rank is No.164 – but with no points to defend for most of this season, Krajicek is aiming for a rapid ascent in both disciplines.
This week her focus is on doubles, teaming with Russian Alla Kudryavtseva.
“I’m just really happy that I’m back again and feeling healthy,” Krajicek said. “I’m starting out with more doubles, but seeing that my knee is holding up I’m definitely planning to focus on some singles again.”
Krajicek also plans to make the most of her first visit to Hobart since 2010.
“Even though I’ve come here a lot, I’ve never really seen anything around the city,” she admitted.
“So I’m already looking for things to do on my off-days. I’ve heard Bruny Island is nice, so I’d like to explore that.”
Krajicek’s not here just to be a tourist though. The steely determination that defined her title-winning run as a teen remains strong – and she’d love nothing more than to leave Hobart with another title.
“Obviously I’d love to go as far as possible,” she said of her goal this week.
Watch Krajicek in action this week by booking tickets now.