Karin Knapp: “I can play even better, but I don’t feel any pressure”

In the past twelve months you have improved by 82 positions in the WTA computer and are now even close to your “best ranking” (WTA 35, February 25, 2008). Did you expect such a jump?

Karin Knapp: “To be honest, I also exceeded my expectations. Before the start of the season, I and my coaching team had set myself the goal of continuous improvement, but it was impossible to predict that it would happen so quickly in the end. I actually wanted to be in the top 80, but now I'm around position 40. That's fantastic, but at the same time it's proof that hard work pays off in the end."

What moment particularly shaped your 2013?

“That was undoubtedly the Wimbledon tournament. Although I traveled to London with a lot of self-confidence, I never would have dreamed of reaching the round of 16. This success strengthened me enormously for the tasks that followed. I realized that I could keep up with the really strong players. This certainty gave me an additional boost.”

Was the Fed Cup victory a worthy end to what was a memorable season for you? “That was him. By winning the final we gave ourselves the greatest gift. Even being called up for the decisive games filled me with a lot of pride. Especially since I was at about the same level as Francesca Schiavone at that point. Then celebrating the tournament victory with Italy in Italy, of all places, released a lot of emotions. Although I didn't play in the important games, I think I was also able to contribute to this triumph. We were a tight-knit unit.”

Not so long ago, your career was hanging by a thread. Do you sometimes still think back to the difficult phases?

“It was a time that certainly had a big impact on me. However, it was always clear to me that the injuries could not mean the end of my career. When the doctors advised me to look for alternatives to professional tennis because of my knee problems, I didn't really want to take it seriously. Even when I was on crutches, I stood at the tennis court and tried to play a few rallies without moving. I really wanted to return – and I finally managed to do that.”

However, there is no time to take a breather. The next season will begin shortly, in which the upward trend must now be confirmed. A difficult undertaking?

“To be honest, I don’t even think about having to defend any WTA points in order not to slip back down in the rankings. I don't feel any pressure at all. I just want to pick up where I left off this year and look from tournament to tournament. Success will then come all by itself.”

What do you expect from the first Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne?

“I am convinced that I will be able to offer really good tennis. My physical condition is already relatively good. Now I still have to work on a few details at the tournaments in Auckland and Hobart, then I'll be ready for the first big highlight. I hope I don’t get too difficult a draw in Australia.”

What is your primary goal for the upcoming sports year? “First and foremost, to continue to improve. I've already achieved a lot, but that's not all. I am convinced that I can play even better. Hopefully I'll be able to make it into the top 35 next season. And who knows, maybe later on I'll be among the top twenty players in the world. These would be the next two really big career steps that I will take on.”

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Karin Knapp: “I can play even better, but I don’t feel any pressure”

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