The Hobart International is an integral part of the Emirates Australian Open Series, and for many players has become a regular stop in their preparation for the year’s first Grand Slam.
Romanian Monica Niculescu returns in 2016, competing in Hobart for a seventh time.
The tricky 28-year-old, who possesses a unique slice forehand, has a good record at the event.
The world No.39 is a two-time singles quarterfinalist and a four-time doubles finalist, winning in 2012 alongside compatriot Irina-Camelia Begu and in 2014 with Czech Klara Koukalova.
Niculescu’s 2015 visit saw her face American Sloane Stephens in the first round, another regular entrant here in Hobart.
Stephens, who returns as one of the top seeds in 2016, won that battle in her third Hobart visit.
“I like it here,” Stephens said during our 2015 tournament. “It’s small, it’s quiet, it’s easy-going ahead of the Australian Open – it’s not too crazy or too hectic.
“I know the courts pretty well, and I know my way around. Hobart’s been good to me so far, so I’ll keep coming back until that changes.”
German Mona Barthel has a similar mentality, having entered the Hobart International every year since she won the title in her first visit in 2012.
It was the first WTA title of Barthel’s career, so it’s no surprise the event evokes nostalgia when she returns.
“It is a really special place for me and I always look forward to coming here,” the world No.45 explains.
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