Diede de Groot ready to weather heat in Australian Open
Dutch world No.2 targets her second Grand Slam title 23 Jan 2018Diede de Groot will look to build off her breakthrough season from last year, as she targets her second women’s singles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, set for 24-27 January.
The Netherlands´ world No.2 has been steadily improving over the last years, but knows she will need to perform at her best to defeat Japan´s world No.1 Yui Kamiji in the Australian heat.
“It’s very difficult to play in the heat, especially because at home it’s around 0 degrees at the moment. To have a 40-degree difference after such a long flight, that’s tough,” the 21-year-old explained.
“I’ve been trying various things in training - ice towels, hats, to make sure I will be able to handle it when it comes.”
De Groot’s first singles title was last year in Wimbledon. She knows winning the first Grand Slam of the year will be a confidence-boost ahead of the rest of the season.
“It would be very special. Being in Australia, it’s always something else. The temperatures are so different from at home, the time difference makes you tired the first days. There’s lots to get used to. It’s a challenge I’m willing to take on. I’m ready for a big fight,” de Groot said.
Last year at a young age, de Groot made a name for herself in the circuit.
“I had a great season. I’ve started off the year being world number six. To then climb up to No. 2 at the end of the year is amazing,” she said. “I’ve gained a lot of experience, playing all four Grand Slams. I had a lot of fun and kept learning.
“The best, of course, was winning my first Grand Slam in singles, but also in doubles. After losing a few first rounds at the Grand Slams, winning those titles meant a lot for me.
“Becoming NEC Masters World Champion at the end of the year was very unexpected. I had a long and good season and kept working hard, but winning that title was such a big confidence boost.”
As she gets ready for the Australian Open, de Groot explained her next goals.
“I want to do well. I will be training more than in 2017 and playing different tournaments. I want to be better than I was. It will be another challenge, but I’m ready for it,” she said.
More information about the Australian Open is available on the ITF´s website.