Croatian Jana Fett is into the first WTA quarterfinal of her career, denying Australian teen Lizette Cabrera the same milestone.
Fett, ranked No.340 and on the comeback from wrist surgery, needed 75 minutes to record a 6-1 6-3 second round win on Centre Court tonight. It was the feature match of the night session – a new experience for both.
“The crowd was awesome, I love playing in Hobart,” the 19-year-old Cabrera said of the experience. “I just didn’t execute as well as I wanted to today.
“I fought really hard and was trying to find a way at the end, she just played too good.”
The win was bittersweet for Fett as it means she can no longer compete in Australian Open qualifying, which begins on Thursday, as planned. She admitted reaching the quarterfinals here had surpassed her expectations entering the tournament.
“I’m really happy about it (the win), but this is the first time I also was a bit sad I won because I can’t play Aussie Open now,” she said. “I hope I made a good choice.”
Fett next plays Paraguayan lucky loser Veronica Cepede Royg, who she defeated in three sets in the final round of qualifying on Sunday, for a semifinal spot.
“I think I have some chances,” the 20-year-old Croatian said of her quarterfinal match. “I’ll try my best, play every point and try to win the tournament.”