Sara Errani eyeing Hobart success

5 January 2017, by Leigh Rogers

A relaxed Sara Errani has revealed she is excited and ready for her return to the Hobart International.

The Italian is back at the Domain Tennis Centre for the first time since 2012. Her calm disposition ahead of the tournament is no surprise considering her past success here. She boasts six singles wins from three previous visits and reached the semifinals in 2010. Her doubles record is just as impressive, winning the doubles title in 2011 alongside compatriot Roberta Vinci.

“It’s good to be back,” Errani told media as she explored Hobart’s Constitution Dock this morning. “I love Australia, it’s a nice place.”

The 29-year-old, who reached the French Open final in 2012, is coming off a tough 2016 season. After winning her ninth WTA singles title in Dubai in February, Errani only won consecutive matches at three tournaments for the rest of her season.

Her ranking slipped to No.50 by season-end, ending a four-year streak of top 20 finishes and well-below her career-high of No.5 reached in 2013. A split with long-time coaches Pablo Lozano and David Andres followed.

“It is time for me to start a new journey,” Errani wrote to her fans on her website, explaining their 12-year coaching partnership was ending with a “smile upon everybody’s faces”.

Errani has since reunited with childhood coach Michele Montalbini, who is with her in Hobart.

She admitted to being frustrated by her 2016 form, but is feeling optimistic ahead of the new season after a productive off-season training block in Italy.

“It’s tough, there’s a lot of good players here. You can never say. I’ve practiced a lot and I’ll do my best,” Errani said of her Hobart title chances.

The Italian is also a former world No.1 doubles player and won five Grand Slams alongside Vinci. After focusing primarily on singles in recent seasons, she has signaled an intention to add more doubles to her schedule in 2017. She plans to play with Belgian Kirsten Flipkens in Hobart and at the Australian Open.

Will a return to Hobart help Errani’s quest to climb back up the ranks? Join the #HobartTennis conversation and let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.