Former world No.1 Dinara Safina says she will focus on staying healthy throughout 2011 before trying to win back her top ranking.
The 24-year-old Russian reached the final of the French Open for the second year in a row in 2009, as well as the Australian Open decider, and topped the WTA rankings for 26 weeks.
But she was plagued by a back injury and poor form throughout 2010, and she slid down to No.63 by the end of the year.
Unfortunately, 2011 started in a similar vein, and she was knocked out of the ASB Classic in Auckland by Belgium’s Yanina Wickmayer in the first round.
But the drawcard of the Hobart International said she had overcome her back injury and was well prepared for another tilt at this month’s Australian Open.
“I’ve had a very good pre-season, I’ve had two months of practice without pain,” she told reporters in Hobart on Friday.
“Now I can play pain-free and that is the most positive sign.”
Safina said she was focused on remaining injury-free.
“For me the most important thing is to stay healthy,” she said.
“I will try to work hard and the ranking will come by itself.”
Australia has a bevy of young stars competing in Hobart, with Jarmila Groth, who defeated Samantha Stosur at the Brisbane International, leading the charge.
Teen stars Olivia Rogowska and Sally Peers join former world No.8 Alicia Molik as Australia’s three wildcards at the event.
Rogowska defeated Jelena Dokic last month for wildcard place in the Australian Open, while Peers defeated seventh seed Alisa Kleybanova in Brisbane on Sunday.
The main draw for the Hobart International will be announced on Saturday.