Former Hobart International winner Elise Mertens confident she can win third title

Two-time Hobart International tournament winner Elise Mertens is hopeful a return to familiar surroundings will lead to the same outcome at this week’s WTA event. See why she’s excited to be back.

Elise Mertens of Belgium accepts the Angie Cunningham trophy at the conclusion of the Hobart International tennis tournament at Domain Tennis Centre, Hobart, Tasmania, Saturday, January 13, 2018. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)

Two-time Hobart International tournament winner Elise Mertens is hopeful a return to familiar surroundings will lead to the same outcome at this week’s WTA 250 event.

The world number 29 won the tournament in 2017 and 2018 and is hopeful she can replicate those efforts with the International returning to the Domain Tennis Centre for the first time since 2020.

“It feels really good to be back. It’s been a while but I’m very happy to be back,” Mertens said.

Elise Mertens speaks to media at the famous Salamanca Markets ahead of the Hobart International. Picture: Supplied.

“It’s always a good feeling to be back and playing on the court where I won my first WTA title so it’s only good vibes.”

The 2018 Australian Open semi-finalist had a strong showing in 2022, making the round of 16 at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon and is confident she can turn those performances into another title in Hobart.

“I played at the United Cup before Hobart leading up to the Australian Open so hopefully I can get some good matches in and get some good energy going in to the Australian Open but of course I’m here to win some matches right away,” the 27-year-old said.

Mertens, the only two-time singles winner of the Hobart International, said it was always an important tournament on the tennis calendar and was pleased a quality field had been assembled for its return.

“It is very important, I think all tournaments going into the Australian Open are very important so that’s why I’m playing it again,” Mertens said.

Elise Mertens shortly after winning the Women's Singles final of the Hobart International at the Domain Tennis Centre in 2018. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

“If I see it on the calendar, I’ll probably play it again so I’m very happy to be back. It’s always getting stronger and stronger with players playing more matches and tournaments but the stronger it is the better for the players and the tournament it is so hopefully we can get some good matches in.”

The main card of the tournament kicks off from Monday with Mertens drawing a qualifier from Saturday and Sunday’s opening days with that clash to be played either Monday or Tuesday.