It has been an interesting – and entertaining – week at the Hobart International. These are some of the best quotes from the players…
“I’m surprised I’m in the semis, I didn’t expect that.”
Croatian Jana Fett enjoyed a dream WTA main draw debut.
“So far the weather has been beautiful, maybe I brought the sun this year. Hopefully it stays this way and we can enjoy some good tennis.”
Former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic was impressed with Hobart’s weather in her first visit to the city.
“This is my first year here and I was hearing from all the other players that it can be cold, rainy and windy – but the last couple of days have been absolutely perfect, so I was like ‘what are you guys talking about? This place is amazing’.”
American Shelby Rogers also fell in love with Hobart during her first visit.
“Obviously I’m disappointed, it’s not the result I would like but that’s tennis, thing’s happen.”
Former world No.5 Lucie Safarova on her second round loss to Japanese qualifier Risa Ozaki.
“My legs started to go a little bit in the third, but I really wanted to win so I found away. I don’t even know what I was thinking. I was like, ‘run, have fun, just get it in’.”
Australian wildcard Lizette Cabrera on her impressive upset of fifth seed Misaki Doi in the first round.
“It was so difficult, I had three different (first round) opponents over the last three days. I really didn’t know, so in the end I was just like ‘I’m just going to go out on court and see what happens’.”
German Andrea Petkovic on dealing with the draw reshuffles after several late withdrawals.
“I wanted to take revenge and it was my day today.”
Belgian Elise Mertens after beating seventh seed Kristina Mladenovic in the first round, having lost to her last season.
“I think too much. I was so nervous and I missed a lot. So I think ‘okay you have the third set, just fight’.”
Paraguayan Veronica Cepede Royg on how she recovered from dropping the second set to beat Andrea Petkovic and advance to the quarterfinals.
“This sport is a drug for me, I love to play this sport.”
Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone confirmed this was her final year on tour after her first-round loss, but her passion for the game is still strong.
“I’m definitely disappointed that I didn’t get the win, but she’s a great player. I’m pretty proud of myself as well, it was a great match, so it’s a bit of mixed emotions.”
Aussie teen Jaimee Fourlis on how she was feeling after her first round loss to Kirsten Flipkens in her WTA main draw debut.
“I’d pick Hobart over Sydney every day of the week. I love it down here.”
Australian Ashleigh Barty on her scheduling choice to compete in the Hobart International.
“I thought ‘there could be easier draws’ but I knew had nothing to lose.”
Australia’s Olivia Rogowska on drawing top seed Kurumi Nara in the first round of qualifying. Rogowska won in three sets to record her best win in two years.