With intriguing showdowns featuring both rising stars and proven performers, Hobart’s Domain Tennis Centre is the place to be today. There’s a jam-packed schedule full of must-see matches and stars in action. Highlights include:
(2) Elise Mertens (BEL) v (Q) Kurumi Nara (JPN)
Centre Court, second match
Head-to-head: First career meeting
Defending champion Elise Mertens begins her title defence against a qualifier who was a semifinalist at the tournament in 2015.
RELATED: Hobart is a special place for Mertens
(WC) Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) v Aryna Sabalenka (BLR)
Centre Court, third match
Head-to-head: First career meeting
Former world No.5 and Hobart International 2016 finalist Eugenie Bouchard faces rising Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.
RELATED: Bouchard on her Hobart return
(1) Zhang Shuai (CHN) v Magda Linette (POL)
Centre Court, fourth match (not before 6pm)
Head-to-head: Zhang leads 3-0
This twilight match featuring the tournament’s top seed is great value for fans wanting to take advantage of the newly-introduced $10 after 5pm ticket.
(5) Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) v Timea Babos (HUN)
West Court, first match from 11am
Head-to-head: Tsurenko leads 2-1
A semifinalist in Hobart last year, fifth seed Lesia Tsurenko hopes to go even further in 2018. But first she needs to beat Timea Babos, last year’s WTA Finals doubles champion.
(7) Tatjana Maria (GER) v Donna Vekic (CRO)
West Court, second match
Head-to-head: First career meeting
Both players enjoyed career-best seasons in 2017 and are determined to start the new year on a winning note.
(3) Sorana Cirstea (ROU) v (Q) Heather Watson (GBR)
West Court, third match
Head-to-head: Watson leads 2-1
World No.37 Sorana Cirstea faces a tough first round test against qualifier Heather Watson, who won the Hobart title in 2015 and leads their head-to-head record.
RELATED: Cirstea embracing challenge
Defending champions Olga Savchuk and Raluca Olaru are also in action as round one doubles matches commence.
It’s not too late to book tickets – and don’t forget this year kids can enter for free with a paying adult.
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