The biggest win of her career behind her, Katarina Srebotnik is looking ahead to today's quarter-finals of the WTA Zurich Open with confidence and beyond that the defence of her title at Auckland's international tournament in January.
Srebotnik, 24, yesterday beat the world No 4, and the tournament's third seed,
Amelie Mauresmo 6-2, 6-0 to remain on course for a fifth WTA title.
"Beating the World No 4 gives me a lot of confidence," said Srebotnik, who beat Shinobu Asagoe to win the singles crown at the ASB Classic in January and then teamed with Asagoe to win the doubles.
"Katarina has been a regular here and she will be back to defend her title," said Classic director Richard Palmer yesterday.
"That win will lift her ranking from the 43 it was at going into this tournament.
"Depending on how far she goes she could be into the mid-30s which would ensure she would be seeded for the Classic this time."
Srebotnik was unseeded when she won this year. She has a career-high ranking of 30 (in February 2003).
After her win Srebotnik went on to claim her fourth singles career crown in Stockholm where she also won the doubles (with Emilie Loit) - her 10th career doubles title.
After being beaten by Mary Pierce in the second round of the singles at the US Open, Srebotnik went through to the mixed doubles final.
As well as confirming Srebotnik's return - and he expects Asagoe will also be back - Palmer said he still has five players in the world's top 25 still showing some interest and expects to name a big name player in the next few days.
The final field announcement will be made on November 23.
