Editor's note: During the China Open, China Daily will collaborate with the WTA to bring you columns from various women's players in an effort to provide insight into life on the tour.

Ciao a tutti (that's "hello everyone" in Italian)! I am Sara Errani from Italy. I am glad to return for the fourth consecutive year but, actually, I don't like to face the media as I am a girl who is a bit timid.

But I know it's going to happen more in my life as I've done a great year, reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the finals at the French Open and the semifinals at the US Open.

Many people have asked me how I made such a big surge this year, moving from No 40 to No 7 in the rankings. I think it's because I had a very nice start. I changed my racket before the Australian Open, and I feel better and more confident than I did before.

I have great memories of many moments this year, but my favorite is Roland Garros because I played well there, losing to Maria Sharapova in the final. I like those memories. When you like them, you want to build more.

Even in Italy, where soccer is much more popular than tennis, more people have begun recognizing me on the street, though I don't think I'm a star. I am just a tennis player - that's it. Of course, I like the feeling that people know you and like you because of what you do on the court.

As a professional player, I know it's tough to handle all these things while remaining focused on practice. I can understand what Li Na went through last year after winning the French Open.

For the moment, I think I am doing well handling these things. It's easy to be distracted because you have more things to take care of than before, so you have less time left for your practice.

Anyway, I just want to play more tennis. That's why I play both singles and doubles, and am trying to balance them. Yes, it's challenging. I have to play more matches than other players.

It's not easy because you have to throw yourself on the court for many hours. Of course it's tough, but I am trying to continue.

Singles is my top priority, but the doubles is important as well. I think playing doubles can help me improve my singles skills. I have a lot of fun playing doubles, especially with (Roberta) Vinci, my fellow countrywoman. We are two good players and we are better together because we have known each other very well for many years.

This year's China Open won't be easy because it comes at the end of the year, but I think I am ready.

Normally, I have two practices every day here and hit the gym after that. If I have a morning match, I usually wake up at 8:00 am and have a simple breakfast such as bread and jam. I know Chinese food is famous but I don't try strange things. I always try to eat the same things that I have in Italy to avoid any surprises.

I usually listen to music to kill time off the court. I also follow other sports. Soccer in Italy is big. I don't have a special team as my favorite, but I like (AC) Milan in Italy. I also like basketball - I enjoy watching the NBA and the Lakers.

Sara Errani is the 2012 French Open runner-up. She is ranked No 7 in singles and No 1 in doubles in the world.

(China Daily 09/30/2012 page12)