Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia, 28 February 2017 | Matt Trollope

On the reason behind skipping the Middle East swing … 

“Just felt like I didn’t play my best tennis at Fed Cup. Actually we (already) scheduled the training block from after the Australian Open but I think it was a good thing for me. I’ve been training pretty hard, getting my fitness back up after the Australian Open and doing a few little technical things on the court. I’m just tidying up a few things, literally everything – footwork, a bit on my serve, still working on my forehand and just a few things, nothing special. It’s not like I’m changing a grip or something (laughter).”

On repeating her fourth round run of 2016 at Australian Open 2017 …

“I didn’t think I played the best tennis of my life at the Australian Open this year. I feel like I’m a better player but I don’t think I played, like I said, 100 per cent. And I felt like I could have done a bit better, like I could’ve maybe won easier, although I had really tough opponents. (But) it was amazing. I fought really hard because I felt like I was playing some big hitters, especially first two rounds, and that was not easy. And maybe that’s another reason why I didn’t feel I played 100 per cent, because I was actually defending a lot. The crowd was just behind me all the time, and it was incredible having my friends (there). My dad came out this year, and it was very special. He wasn’t at Aus Open last year. I felt like he’s missing out because since i was very little he travelled with me to a few tournaments and I felt like (I was) making him proud.”

On upcoming tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami …

“I’m pretty excited because it’s a good opportunity for me to get my ranking up, get it moving. Because I didn’t have a great result last year – I lost second round in both tournaments. I was a seed but I lost (my opening match) in both so I didn’t make any points basically. Two huge tournaments and the best players are there, so it’s like a fifth and sixth Grand Slam. Premier tournaments, so it’s pretty exciting.”

On the rise of Australian women’s tennis …

“Pratty (Nicole Pratt) has been doing a good job (smiling). We were actually talking about it this morning and she was super excited because we’ve now got five girls inside top 250 – apart from Sam (Stosur) and I – I think. So that’s good. I think we’re just all pushing each other. Olivia (Rogowska) has been around a long time and I feel like she’s starting to play some good tennis and get back at it, and all the young girls are just pushing each other. Jaimee (Fourlis) trains here (at the National Tennis Centre), we’re training buddies. I think everyone is inspired by each other, and I’m doing well so I think everyone is like, I can do it too. I think between the younger girls for sure it’s getting a bit more competitive, which is good.

“And Ash (Barty) is just like my idol, she’s so good, she’s so talented. I’m sure she’s sick of everyone saying that, but it’s true. She’s been playing some good tennis and in Ukraine (at Fed Cup) she showed like super great tennis against Svitolina – and look at Svitolina, she hasn’t lost a match (since) and she’s top 10 now. I think the coaching structure has been good and all the coaches are supporting each other and the national academies are really working hard.”