Pat Rafter has at all times had a excessive opinion of Ajla Tomljanovic’s expertise and grit and says this summer time of tennis is the place she will be able to take the subsequent step and construct in direction of difficult for an Australian Open title.
The 29-year-old world no.33 will line up within the inaugural United Cup in Sydney from Thursday in an Australian line-up which incorporates Nick Kygrios and Alex de Minaur.
The 18-country blended groups occasion can be performed in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth and is the place Tomljanovic will start her preparation for the Australian Open in January.
Tomljanovic made the quarter finals of the US Open and Wimbledon this 12 months to achieve her highest world singles rating.
“Ajla did well in the grand slams this year and wasn’t far off going further either. She is a great ball striker and when she has her confidence she goes great,” Rafter informed AAP.
“Sometimes her confidence isn’t there and she doesn’t play as well, but going that extra step is all about adding an extra string to your bow and working out how to win when you aren’t playing well.
“As you become old you’re employed out how all that works. Hopefully she has discovered from her expertise and may win when not taking part in her finest tennis.”
The Croatian-born right-hander has battled injuries over the years but it is the way she has dealt with them that most impresses Rafter.
“Ajla has had an up and down profession primarily as a result of she’s had such horrible accidents,” Rafter mentioned.
“She’s had some fairly dangerous shoulder operations and it’s fairly arduous to return again from that however via all of it she has remained actually upbeat, which is why she is having some good outcomes now.
“I take my hat off to her. She has hung in there when she could have really packed it in … after being touted as the next big thing. She fought hard to get back into it. I am hopeful we can see her talent come to the fore this summer.”
When Rafter was extra concerned within the Australian tennis scene he had a bit to do with Tomljanovic and her father Ratko.
“Ajla is a great girl. All the dealings I have ever had with her father Ratko were great. They were always really grateful and a really good team,” he mentioned.
Rafter mentioned he was wanting ahead to watching the primary United Cup unfold.
“I think it is a great concept. Tennis Australia like to try new initiatives and they are having a crack here with the men and women playing together,” he mentioned. “I am really interested to see how it plays out.”
