ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
1 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Shahar Peer, the 10th seed, stormed into the third round of the ladies singles at the Australian Open with another straight sets victory in Melbourne.
Ranked 12 in the world, Peer followed up her win over Mathilde Johansson with a 6-3, 6-2 success over Sorana Cirstea of Romania.
The Israeli believes that 2011 will be a big year. The 23-year-old has already reached two Grand Slam quarter-finals and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players on the women's circuit.
And Peer believes she is more than capable of mixing it with the best in the world – insisting she won't stop until she's reached the top.
“I've already broken records as the highest ranked Israeli but I want to get higher and higher,” said Peer.
“I need to keep doing what I'm doing and it will all come my way. I had a very good year last year and I hope to keep up this momentum.”
Peer made the fourth round at both the French and US Open last year but with the top 10 on the horizon – the Jerusalem-born star is desperate to make the next step up.
“I need to try and make the step up in the Grand Slams and getting past the quarter-finals at least.
“I need to try and win some tournaments and then I'll be able to improve my rankings.
“I don't think it's a psychological thing – getting past the last eight because I've been quarter-finals before.
“I just need to keep on playing as well as I am now and I can do it.”
It was a good day for the Israelis with Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram (14), coming from a set down to beat British pairing Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the men’s doubles.