The BMW Malaysian Open 2015 could be the tournament 26 year old Julia Goerges of Germany needs to spring herself in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit once again.
Having once reached a career high of World No. 15, she now lingers at World No. 65 and is keeping her fingers crossed at her debut appearance in Kuala Lumpur. After comfortably seeing off KaterynaKozlova 6-1, 6-2 second round on Wednesday, Goerges meets Romanian Alexandra Dulgheru in the quarterfinals today.
The duo have never played each other but Goerges is banking on repeating her performance on Wednesday.
“I played a good match in the second round. I was solid and did not make errors while putting the opponent under pressure. If I could put in a good quality match again, I should be able to reach the semifinals,” said Goerges.
“I’ve not played her but whoever you play it’s always tough. There are no easy games. Even the second round win was against a young and talented player. Thankfully I had my best game on.”
Dulgheru stunned second seed Sabine Lisicki 6-4, 7-5 in the first round. The Romanian is also on a comeback after injuries jeopardised her involvement in the sport since 2012.
Since 2008, Goerges has consistently been in the top 100 of the world but a loss of form in 2013 saw her drop outside the top 100 momentarily at the start of last year.
Yet, she has not won many titles. Her only two WTA singles title were won at the Gastein Ladies in 2010 and the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in 201. Both came on her home soil, Germany.
With the BMW Malaysian Open often either churning first time winners or players seeking to make a comeback breakthrough, the on-going edition at the Royal Selangor Golf Club could be tournament for Goerges increase her WTA title count.
Afterall, the BMW Malaysian Open takes place on her favourite surface – hardcourt.
However, Goerges made it clear that the title was not on her mind yet.
“First I need to play in the quarterfinals and see how that goes. But ofcourse it is always nice to win. Every tournament you play, you always want to go as far as possible and winning the title,” she said.
She began playing tennis around the age of 5 when her parents began taking her to the local club. Her tennis idol growing up was Martina Hingis and she is also a fan of Roger Federer.
At the Australian Open in January, Goergesequalled her best showing with a last 16 outing. Unfortunately 10th seed Ekaterina Makarova was hard a hurlde. Goerges also reach the Auckland Open quarterfinals in January.
Admission is free for the BMW Malaysian Open from the start of the qualifying rounds on February 28th, 2015 until March 4, 2015. Tickets are priced between RM33-RM73 from March 6th to 8th, 2015 respectively.
For more ticketing information, visit www.ticketcharge.com.my or call +603-92228811.
For more information visit the tournament Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BMWMalaysianOpen