Barbara Schett: From the wall to the world’s top 10

Tennis has been a constant throughout Barbara Schett’s life. Like many before her, she began playing against a wall before her talent was spotted and channelled towards the professional game, where she debuted as a 14-year-old at her home event in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Schett’s career peaked during a memorable WTA era; she finished 1999 inside the top 10 along with Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Serena and Venus Williams, Mary Pierce, Monica Seles and Amelie Mauresmo. She fondly remembers that era – and facing those icons – as well as reaching the 1999 US Open quarterfinals and stunning then-world No.2 Venus in the first round of Roland Garros in 2001. That same year she reached the AO mixed doubles final with Josh Eagle, who later became her husband and saw her move to Australia. She now divides her time between Queensland and Europe, remaining connected to the sport through her successful commentary career and role as WTA tournament ambassador in Linz. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotify  Host handles:@Viv_Christie@MattyATSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.