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| Human Interest | |
|---|---|
Further Personal Information | |
| Residence | Auckland, NZL |
Sport Specific Information | |
| Club / Team | Barcelona, ESP |
Further Personal Information | |
| Higher education | Economics - Massey University Academy of Sport: Auckland, NZL |
General Interest | |
| Hobbies | Playing guitar, reading, listening to music, watching movies, soccer. (wtatennis.com, 30 Jan 2012) |
| Injuries | She suffered a hip injury in 2009 that caused her to withdraw from a number of major tournaments, including Wimbledon. (kia.co.nz, 09 Sep 2010) |
| Memorable sporting achievement | Walking out onto Court 1 at Wimbledon in 2008 to play in front of a full crowd. (drugfreesport.nz, 09 Sep 2010) |
Sport Specific Information | |
| Why this sport? | She was introduced to the sport by her father and sister on a neighbourhood court. |
General Interest | |
| Most influential person in career | Her dad. (drugfreesport.org.nz, 09 Sep 2010) |
| Hero / Idol | Monica Seles. (wtatennis.com, 30 Jan 2012) |
| Awards and honours | Tennis Auckland Player of the Year 2012. (aucklandtennis.co.nz, 15 May 2012) She is the only NZ woman to hold a Gram Slam title (Junior Doubles winner at US Open 2004). (marinaerakovic.co.nz, 20 Jun 2012) |
Sport Specific Information | |
| Name of coach | Christian Zahalka |
| Coach from what year? | 2010 |
| Preferred position / style / stance / technique | Double-handed backhand |
| Handedness | Right |
| When and where did you begin this sport? | She started playing tennis at age six. |
Further Personal Information | |
| Languages | Croatian, English |
General Interest | |
| Other information | ANXIOUS OLYMPIC WAIT She had a nervous wait to see whether she would be selected for the New Zealand Olympic team following debate with the NZ Olympic Committee as to whether she would meet their stringent qualifying criteria in addition to being eligible. Her Olympic selection was confirmed on 20 Jun 2012. (nzherald.co.nz, 20 Jun 2012) DRUG FREE She is part of Drug Free Sport New Zealand which brings together athletes who are against doping in sport. (drugfreesport.nz, 09 Sep 2010) FROM CROATIA TO NEW ZEALAND She moved with her family from Croatia to New Zealand when she was six years old. (marinaerakovic.co.nz, 20 Jun 2012) TRAVEL BUDDY She always travels with her electric guitar. "I really enjoy playing and composing when on the road during the many hours spent in hotel rooms. Music is something that helps me relax and helps me get motivated for my matches." (marinaerakovic.co.nz, 20 Jun 2012) |