From a chilly Polish Christmas to our sunny shores
A stifling hot and humid Auckland day is a far cry from the near freezing conditions in Krakow in Poland that ASB Classic top seed Agnieszka Radwanska left just after Christmas.
Agnieszka Radwanska speaks to the media
The season professional is unfazed by the 25 degree change in temperature and within hours of touching down in Auckland is already au fait with our weather predicting a fine week ahead.
“I hear this year it is going to be OK”, said the world no.4.
After spending most of the year on tour away from her homeland, the 23-year-old was adamant she wanted to be in Poland for Christmas.
“I was always spending Christmas at home. I’ll have 3-4 days here (before she plays today) so I’ll be fine.”
After practicing indoors in Poland she has been keen to get plenty of time on Auckland’s blue courts before today’s clash against qualifier Greta Arn.
“It’s going to be tough after the off season. Practice is so different from matches. I have to be focused from the first point.”
It is the Pole’s first visit to our shores and she’s already taken a shining to the haka, having enjoyed a live performance at the players’ party on Saturday night.
Last year was a “great season” where she reached her first major final at Wimbledon and peaked at no.2 in the world.
“Being in the final of a Grand Slam, I think this is the dream that I had when I was a kid. I have always done well there (Wimbledon) as a junior. Winning in 2005 (junior title) and then seven years later I was playing on centre court in the final.”
While all eyes were on her Wimbledon effort, where she pushed Serena Williams all the way, her selection as flag bearer for the Polish team at the Olympics is a moment dear to her heart.
“It was a big honour. I was really excited. I was the first woman to carry the flag in Polish history. It was a big moment for me.”
Let’s hope Kiwi fans get to enjoy a few special moments from the Pole this week.
http://www.asbclassic.co.nz/news/chilly-polish-christmas-our-sunny-shores