BY RIZWAN REHMAT
DOHA: Former Qatar Open champion Nadia Petrova (pictured) will be eyeing another title triumph in Doha this week when she joins 17 of the top 18 players on the WTA Tour computer.
Petrova, who won the Qatar Open title in 2006, said a ‘satisfying season in 2012’ would help her hit the ground running when she takes on Andrea Hlavackova of the Czech Republic in their first-round clash.
The 30-year-old Russian also won the 2006 German Open, a WTA Tour tournament organised in Berlin by the Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF), the hosts of the $2.3m event this week.
Petrova has her task cut out in Doha where she joins top eight seeds Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka of Belraus, Serena Williams of the US, compatriot Maria Sharapova, Agnieska Radwanska of Poland, Angelique Kerber of Germany, Sara Errani of Italy, Petrova Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Samantha Stosur of Australia.
During a brief chat at the draw ceremony yesterday, Moscow-born Petrova admitted that the Doha field wouldn’t be easy to conquer.
Q & A with Petrova:
Question: You have been a past champion here. Do you think that holds advantage for a player like yourself?
Petrova: It’s a tough question. If you had asked me this question five years ago, I would have said ‘yes’. But I feel I had a good season last year. I played good tennis. I am going to give my best shot, try to accomplish winning a third title here.
Question: Your goals and ambitions for the new season?
Petrova: To stay healthy. That’s my number one priority. And win tournaments, if I can. I just want to enjoy my tennis.
Question: Are you happy with your performances in 2012?
Petrova: Yes, I am satisfied. It was a successful year. Maybe the beginning wasn’t as good or the way I wanted it to be, but afterwards I had a good season.
Question: Doing well at the Grand Slams is still the target for you in 2013 and beyond?
Petrova: Yes, definitely. That’s why I play the sport.
Question: Your thoughts on the draw.
Petrova: It’s a top draw. Have a lot of tough match-ups in the first round. It’s going to be an exciting week. I am sure it is going to be pretty busy for the players.
Question: Your thoughts on a possible clash against Serena.
Petrova: I am looking forward to that. It is still quite far and I don’t want to look that far ahead. If that match happens, then I will be very pleased to play her.
Question: On a scale one to 10, how difficult is the draw?
Petrova: I would say 10 (laughs). Everybody is here. It is a top draw. THE PENINSULA
