Harriet Dart is hoping to start next year with a bang after an impressive 2022 season.
The British No.2 achieved a career-high ranking of 84 in a period where she reached the second round at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as making the last 16 in Indian Wells. Dart recorded her first win over a top 20 player when she beat Elina Svitolina before eventually bowing out to Madison Keys in California.
The 26-year-old wants to remain on that trajectory as she heads to Melbourne in the new year for the Australian Open. Speaking at the Asics Tennis Summit, Dart said: “It’s been a great year for me. I’ve had some highs and some lows and some amazing moments, but overall I’ve been really happy with the consistent play I’ve had.
"I’ve had some great wins over some really great players and I'm just looking forward to taking that momentum into next year and kicking off 2023 well. I’ve been doing my pre-season training in London and lots of hours of training, sleeping, eating and repeating to hopefully get the best out of myself.
“I love playing in Australia. I’ve really enjoyed playing there over the years, so to keep playing well there would be a really nice thing, especially at the start of the year to get a lot of matches beforehand.”
Dart’s good form in the grasscourt season and in the US saw her on the cusp of toppling British No.1 Emma Raducanu at one stage. However, she insists improving her own ranking is her biggest motivation.
“I want to keep improving and putting in good performances, then my ranking will take care of itself," she said. "Hopefully I can get the highest ranking I can and then good things will happen. I can only control what I do. If I get into that position then great, but for now I’m just focusing on what I can control. I just need to keep winning matches to put myself in that position.”
Dart was at the Puente Romano Club in Marbella as Asics introduced its most innovate tennis range ever. The brand launched its new apparel, Gel Resolution 9 and Court FF 3 shoes as it continues its philosophy to strive for improvement.
The London-based star added: “Asics takes such good care in everything they do. I’ve been fortunate enough to test a few things. The range is pretty cool, breathable and has really good material - you have to be free with no distractions.”
