Hobart has almost become like a second home to Alize Cornet throughout her WTA career.
Since her Hobart International debut in 2010 the Frenchwoman has made seven appearances at the tournament – including a memorable victory in 2016.
Now 33, Cornet is back in 2024 for another Tasmanian tilt but she will have to do it the hard way through qualifying following a tough 2023 season.
“I’m very excited to be back in Hobart, it is one of my favourite tournaments of the year,” Cornet said.
“I [am] very much looking forward to starting my season here, it is my first tournament of the year. I didn’t play the previous week so I am fresh and ready to go.”
After starting last year ranked No. 36 in the world, Cornet ended it at No. 118, snapping a 16-year run of top 100 finishes.
An opening round loss in Hobart to eventual runner up Elisabetta Cocciaretto was the first of five consecutive first-round exits and although she made three semi-final appearances and three quarter-final appearances at 125 and 250 level, a lack of impact in the bigger tournaments ultimately contributed to the rankings slide.
The fall was in stark contrast to 2022, where she featured in her maiden Grand Slam quarter-final (Australian Open) and twice toppled top-10 opponents – Garbine Muguruza at Melbourne Park and Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon), which also snapped Swiatek’s 37-match win streak.
In her favour this year, a recent favourable record for qualifiers at the Domain Tennis Centre, with four of the past 10 champions sweeping through seven rounds, including Lauren Davis last year.
“Being in the qualies I am definitely the underdog but I know what I can do, I know that when I can bring my best tennis I can beat the best players in the world.
“That’s what I did in 2022 when I had one of the best seasons of my career. I just have to be in a good mindset and be ready.”
Off the court, Cornet is also looking to build on her authentic Tasmanian experiences, which included a hike on Mt Wellington just hours after her defeat to Cocciaretto and courtside seats at Mystate Bank Arena for the JackJumpers.
“I had the chance to go for a couple of hikes last year on Mt Wellington and I really loved it, I really want to take my boyfriend with me to climb the mountain again and see the beautiful nature of Tasmania, which I love,” she said.
“I want to try some new restaurants, I know Hobart is full of amazing restaurants and I know Darren [Sturgess] the tournament director will give me a lot of good advice.
“Maybe some other basketball matches like last year and maybe some other activities I haven’t done before. I have plenty of time as I’m so early this year!”