Briton plays former world No 1 in
Australian Open on Thursday and credits new coach Veselinovic for improved composureHarriet Dart’s disarmingly cool demeanour disguises a competitive core that she will need to call on in another examination of her nerve and skill when she plays the former world No 1, Simona Halep, on the Australian Open’s main court on Thursday evening.
A year ago in the same Rod Laver Arena, Maria Sharapova embarrassed the lightly built
British player in the game’s most dreaded manner: a double bagel. Much has changed for both of them since and, as Dart says: “Physically I am definitely in a much better place, thanks to my trainer [Ian Aylward]. I am recovering better and am able to deal with the weight of shots, the back-to-back matches. I am happy with that.”