Harriet Dart enjoyed a career-year in 2022 after truly finding her groove this summer.
The young Brit has truly shone in the last few months. Dart’s run of form kicked off when she competed at Indian Wells, defeating Elina Svitolina - the first top 20 scalp of her career - en route to a spot in the last 16.
The ranking points she picked up from her triumphant Stateside trip took Dart into the world’s top 100 for the first time in her young career, and she used the experience as a springboard. At the US Open, Dart secured her first top 10 win as she defeated Daria Kasaatkina in three sets in the first round.
Following a year filled with more ups than downs, Dart reflected positively on her campaign. She believes several aspects of her game have improved, but she highlighted a shift in mentality as being the key move to improving her play on the court.
“The highlight was probably at Indian Wells and being able to come through qualifying,” Dart exclusively told Mirror Sport . “I played six matches there and it was my first time playing the event too, so I was getting used to the surroundings. It’s been a really good season for me - tennis-wise - and I’d like to keep building on that.
“It’s really important to remember that I love playing tennis - and that’s not easy! It’s so easy to look back and forget about the good stuff because you have ups and downs all the time, but to stay in the moment and enjoy the process is important.”
The shift in mentality has been particularly key to Dart’s progress. She highlighted how she now consistently believes in herself in key moments, while she expressed pride when discussing how she has improved both as a player and as a person.
“A lot of people on the outside don’t see there is so much work being put in that it’s just not suddenly an overnight success where you win matches; there’s so many years, weeks, hours that go into it,” Dart added. “I just really think it’s a huge step for me within my career to be able to continue pushing boundaries. Like everyone, I’ve been through some tough times but it’s about having a positive outlook on things and an improved attitude.
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“I’m really fortunate that ASICS has been supportive of me over the past few years with their outlook of Sound Mind, Sound Body. It’s been really helpful.
“Everyone can play and compete at this level, it’s just about being able to consistently produce that and that’s why you always have to be ready on the court, no matter who you play.”
Dart is currently ranked No 87 in the world and she narrowly missed out on the opportunity to overtake compatriot and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu. Dart suffered a frustrating 0-6 6-4 6-1 defeat to Tereza Martincova at the Slovenia Open - but she put in a strong performance as she reached the semi-finals in the doubles alongside partner Alexandra Panova.
A better showing in the singles would have seen Dart usurp Raducanu - whose own ranking has dropped to 83 after she was swiftly knocked out at Flushing Meadows - as British No. 1. It feels like that should be a milestone Dart wants to achieve, but the 26-year-old played the idea down when looking ahead to next season.
“To be honest, [being British No.1] is not really something I think about,” she said calmly. “Of course, to be British No.1 one day would be pretty cool but it’s not something I am necessarily looking to achieve. If I keep improving my ranking, good things will happen - and if I become British No.1, that would be cool.
“I’ve not necessarily thought too much about [her goals for 2023], but what I would say is moving towards the top 50 would be a big goal of mine. I want to consistently produce good tennis, and stick to a solid schedule.
“It's important to remember that anything is possible; if you set your mind to something, you can have success in whatever you do.”
Her inspiring and motivating comment is particularly intriguing. Dart revealed she was naturally motivated by Raducanu’s success 12 months ago, and the rising British tennis star has set herself a target ahead of next season's Grand Slams.
“I’d love to say I can turn up to a Grand Slam and win it, but there are lots of factors,” Dart said after taking a moment to ponder her answer. “I’ve played twice at the US Open prior to this year, and I’d qualified both times so the goal was to get through the first round and I was able to do that.
“To be able to get to the second week would be a big goal.”
Before she returns to preparing for her doubles semi-final against Marta Kostyuk and Tereza Martinvoca in Portoroz, Dart named Andy Murray as one of her many idols due to his relatability and the way he has elevated British tennis. However, Dart didn’t hesitate to answer when asked who she likes to watch most on the WTA circuit - and it was someone she faced in Kremlin Cup qualifiers back in 2018.
“I love watching Ons Jabeur,” Dart declared. “She's a very, very different player to a lot of the females and her touch and skills are just out of this world. I'm sure she will win a Grand Slam very soon.
“She’s been pushing boundaries for her people, and she's such a nice girl as well. I think that's what really sticks out.”
If Dart continues on her current trajectory, perhaps she will meet Jabeur on court again - and maybe even avenge the three-set defeat four years ago.
