Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova says the Brisbane heat will toughen her up for this month’s Australian Open.
Ahead of the inaugural Brisbane International tennis tournament, Hantuchova spoke to media while visiting the local Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Pleased to be able to hug a koala for the first time, Hantuchova said the Brisbane heat was ideal preparation for the opening Grand Slam of the year starting at Melbourne Park on January 19.
“Getting use to the conditions is going to take a few days. I’m very glad I came earlier,” Hantuchova said on Thursday as the mercury soaked to 35 degrees celsius.
“I was saying to my coach if I can play in Brisbane, I think I can play anywhere …”
“Being in the semis [of the Australian Open] and so close to the finals last year was one of the greatest moments of my life so far and I’ll never forget those feelings and I can’t wait to be back there.”
Hantuchova is the fourth seed at the Brisbane International, which boasts formidable opponents, including French Open women’s champion Ana Ivanovic.
“These days any tournament anybody can win so I think women’s tennis at the moment is very exciting – you have so many great players and it’s very tough,” Hantuchova said.
“I think we all have a great chance to do well.
“The facilities are great [at the new Queensland Tennis Centre] … I think it’s a perfect start to the year.”
The 25 year old’s 2008 season was marred by mid-season injury lay-offs, resulting in her first non-top 20 finish since 2004.