British No.3 Mel South can’t wait to get started at the International Women’s Open – and is confident of making a real impact at the prestigious event.
The 21-year-old from New Malden faces a tough first round clash against Australian Alicia Molik, but knows a strong performance will give her a great chance of progressing.
South said: “I’ve never played Alicia before but I’ve watched plenty of her on TV. She’s had a bad time but has come back and is playing really well. Like every match here it is going to be tough but I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve got a chance against anyone if I play well, relax and believe in myself. We can all play the game, it’s a matter of having the confidence to perform.”
Molik is an ex-Australian Open quarter-finalist who reached a career high of No.8 in the world back in 2005. But South, who beat a top 20 player in Francesca Schiavone at Wimbledon last year, is hoping that a good run at Eastbourne will set her up nicely for SW19 this time around.
She added: “It’s great to have been given a wild card here and I’ll be feeling fresh for the match. Grass is one of my favourite surfaces and it’s good for my game. I’m really excited about this week and also about Wimbledon – it’s another great opportunity for me and hopefully I can take advantage of it.”
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