Kremer intent on returning to the top

Dubai: The only one rival who can stop Anne Kremer in her bid from winning the Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge is herself, even though she has shown her intent of going till the end.

Yesterday, Kremer booked her berth in the quarterfinals when Austrian Patricia Mayr conceded the match after complaining of dizziness when the score read 3-6, 6-0, 3-0.

On Monday night, the former world No 18 entered the main draw with a 6-3, 6-4 win against top seed Erika Sema of Japan in the qualifiers. Kremer had also notched up a 6-1, 6-1 win against Russia's Vladimira Uhlirova earlier in the qualifying event.

"For sure, it is a humbling experience to go through the qualifiers," the gracious Kremer admitted.

"Somehow you have to suck it up and just try and get the work done on court as fast as possible. The important thing for me is to keep on winning here."

The 34-year-old Luxembourgian has endured tremendous hardships after suffering a wrist injuries, which cost her dear. First it was a troublesome left wrist and then just after she had commenced recovering the right cost her another nine months.

Simple target

"I think I can easily break into the top 100 sooner or later. I really don't want to set myself a target. I have given top players a hard time on court, and I know that I am capable of reaching thereabouts soon," she said.

Kremer, who turned professional in 1998, has so far won seven titles — five of which have been on the ITF Circuit and one each in a Tier III and Tier IV competitions. Her career earnings have touched nearly $1.5million. Kremer's best at the grand slams have been two third round losses at Wimbledon (1999 and 2004) and one third round appearance at Roland Garros (2002).

"I want to give myself a fair chance by playing through 2010. I did not have a good season this year, though the end part has been good. It is important that I keep on winning and take this momentum into the new season," Kremer said.

One of her biggest challenges here has been the transition from indoors to outdoors.

"I am hitting the ball well, but I need time to adjust and move as much as possible here," Kremer said.

Factfile

• Name: Anne Kremer
• Country: Luxembourg
• Date of Birth: October 17, 1975 (Luxembourg)
• Residence: Hesperange,Luxembourg
• Height: 1.65mts (5.5ft)
• Weight: 55kgs
• Turned pro: 1998
• Career titles: 7
• Highest ranking: No 18(July 29, 2002)