Tennis: Martinez focuses on regaining her form

By JULIE ASH

Twelve years after her last visit to New Zealand, Spanish star Conchita Martinez touched down in Auckland yesterday for the international women's classic next week.

Arriving from Barcelona about noon, the 29-year-old headed straight to a court in Remuera for a light practice session.

Although a little tired from the travel, Martinez, ranked 35th in the world, said she was looking forward to the ASB Bank Classic.

"I am okay after a very long flight, but it was good to get here and loosen up," she said.

Martinez has struggled for much of the year with an Achilles' tendon injury, and the Auckland tournament is her first since Wimbledon in mid-year.

Her present ranking is her lowest season-ending position since 1998, and she said she hoped the Auckland tournament was the start of better things.

"It is a good start to preparing for the Australian Open, in the windy conditions."

And when it comes to her opposition at Stanley St, the fourth seed said every player would be a threat.

On her previous visit to New Zealand, she won the then WTA tournament in Wellington as a 17-year-old.

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