I was going to have my tee time change if I couldn’t get a visa, I didn’t want to waste anybody’s time. It has been a huge adventure to come here and play in Saudi Arabia. As a tennis player it is so special for me because you don’t get a chance to play your favorite tournament abroad. I didn’t have a visa to make my bed last night because, you know, it has all happened very fast so I wasn’t very prepared. My door finally opened and I had the bed and so I managed to make it to bed. I can already tell my bed is a little nicer than my bed in Australia where I am playing.
My first practice round was probably the best I have ever played, not very many nerves, but very relaxed. Everything felt as though it was familiar to me. Being able to play three days against some really good players will help me to feel more comfortable.
I feel like it will be amazing to compete against her [Elena Baltacha] in the round of 16. There is lots of history between us, but I have never played her and it’s been a long time since we have been on a court together. Even if I only see her at the end of the match I can get the nerves out of the way and play some good tennis.