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The first Grand Slam event of 2016 keeps approaching and a wonderful week has just ended: considering the incoming meeting in Melbourne, our Sara Errani pulled off the best out of her tennis during Sydney’s Premier tournament, putting several major wins under her belt.

Sara’s victories over the n.7 seed Carla Suarez Navarro and the evergreen Jelena Jankovic – scored with a remarkable comeback – have been no less than essential in order for her to upgrade her match mindset as well as adapt to the Australian burning heat.

Apia International’s quarterfinals were no big deal, as we all knew the odds did not favors our champ due to the fact that she only won once over the veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova – on clay during 2012 Roland Garros – in her career. Even though the match concept was unusual, today made no difference as the n.2 of Italy did not lose to her opponent’s overwhelming power, but to her mental toughness. In fact, today’s match was all about the mind: first a massive charge by our Sara Errani – that allowed her to go 5-1 up – then an extreme resilience reaction by the n.25 world ranked, who provoke a nerve collpse that lasted until the very last point. Final score: (1)6-7, 0-6.

Pity that Sara could not keep up with the early advantage today, but we all know tennis is not only a matter of technique – especially thank to Sara’s perfomances – since mental strength and focus also play a huge role.

She will pack her luggages and board for the last Aussie stop tomorrow. Her plan is to start practicing within the Grand Slam’s venue as soon as possible, as well as becoming acquainted with Melbourne’s courts and temperature – which has already caused the interruption of the playing matches during Qualifying Day1 due to excessive heat (42.5 °C).

Sarita will be the n.17 seed of the Australian Open‘s main draw, which will be celebrated on Friday, 15th January.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS – Errani v. Kuznetsova: