Young Belgian not waffling about future

The first time Belgian Yanina Wickmayer played in China was on November 5, 2007. She was just an 18-year-old ranked outside the world top 200 and competing in a low-tier $25,000 ITF event.

Less than two years later, Wickmayer is back in the mainland with a world ranking of 22 and coming off a semifinal appearance at the US Open.

"I took a big step forward," Wickmayer told China Daily. "I have played really well this season and have had some really good results," the young Belgian, who received a wildcard to take part in the Sony Ericsson $4.5 million China Open, said.

Wickmayer has had a dream run this season. She won her first WTA tour singles title in May in Estoril, Portugal. Two months later, she made her second tour final in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, losing to Thai veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn in the finale.

Then there was her amazing run to the semifinals at last month's US Open at Flushing Meadows where she claimed the scalps of several higher-ranked players.

Although she was denied a final berth by Dane Caroline Wozniacki, her ranking rocketed from 50 to 22.

Wickmayer, an admirer of compatriot Kim Clijsters, said she has been inspired and helped by her fellow countrywoman.

"She (Kim) always played a day before me at the US Open," Wickmayer said. "She kept winning, so I tried to do the same and kept on winning to catch up with her.

"It was very exciting to see how she handled the pressure.

"Since she knows almost all of the players, she always gave me advice. She is really a nice girl and she is excited to watch younger players like me," Wickmayer said.

The strong performances from Wickmayer and Clijsters at Flushing Meadows were reminiscent of the heyday of Belgian tennis when former world No 1s Justin Henin and Clijsters were in top form. Henin, who has just announced her comeback, will rejoin Wickmayer and Clijsters on the tour soon.

Wickmayer said she was not intimated by the heights her compatriots have reached and claims she prefers to pursue her career at her own pace.

"Maybe I will never win a Grand Slam or reach No 1 in the world but I just want to put myself out there every year.

"It has been wonderful to reach No 22 in the world. As long as I am happy playing tennis and go out and have fun, I am satisfied no matter how it ends."

Wickmayer will play Alisa Kleybanova of Russia in her debut performance in the Chinese capital today.

"I was in the semifinals of the US Open and nobody can take that away from me. It hasn't put more pressure on me.

"I can't predict what will happen next week or next month. I just try to do the right thing and that means getting ready for this week."

Despite her relatively low profile, Wickmayer is expected to be watched closely by Chinese fans - not only because of her US Open achievement but also due to her close bond with China after signing with local sportswear company Erke at the beginning of this year.

She inked a two-year contract with Erke, becoming another of the world's top players to endorse a Chinese brand. Former world No 1 Jelena Jankovic represents Anta.

"I feel I am very special with them (Erke) and they do everything to make me happy. I am really looking forward to promoting Erke and making it bigger."

Outside of business, Wickmayer has other connections with China. She claimed her first Fed Cup victory at the expense of China's Grand Slam doubles champion Yan Zi at the 2007 playoffs and she won both ITF circuit events she played here last year.

"The Chinese players have the mentality of pushing through and never giving up.

"It's one of the great characteristics of all the Chinese players and that's why I like to practise with them," she said.

Wickmayer said her next goal is to enter the world top 20 by the end of the year and her ultimate ambition is to win the US Open.

"Winning the US Open is one of my dreams. It is my favorite Grand Slam event because it feels a little bit like home," said the Belgian who lived in the US for 2 1/2 years.

"I have already been very close to it (winning the title)."

(China Daily 10/05/2009 page12)