A visit to Ballarat was all about dusting that off.

She did so by winning Ballarat Open Gold’s Australian Money Tournament women’s crown yesterday.

Hsieh has been as ranked as high as 23 in the world in singles but in the hype of winning a Wimbledon title – and the opportunities that opened – her singles game has dropped off.

Her coach, decorated Australian player Paul McNamee, is aiming to get Hsieh back in the world top-50 while also taking the Taiwanese athlete to a number one ranking in doubles (she is ranked three).

“We’ll try,” Hsieh told The Courier.

“Singles I am always not so sure about.

“When I go and play doubles I relax and enjoy it so much. I enjoy singles too but it is tougher.

“In doubles I like playing at the net while in singles I have to move to the baseline and because I didn’t play there for awhile, it’s a little bit more complicated for me.”

Defending Ballarat champion Viktorija Rajicic, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open wildcard play-off last week, was a good challenge.

Hsieh was a convincing winner in 6-4 6-2, but each time she served to polish off a set, Rajicic kept hanging on.

The 19-year-old’s serve impressed Hsieh, who said the quality match-up was great preparation for a big summer ahead.

Ballarat marks Hsieh’s first singles tournament win this year.

She leaves for Brisbane today, then the Sydney International, on her road to the Australian Open.

“I’ve had a lot of fun playing against all the girls here,” Hsieh said.

“It’s been good to start back on my singles a bit.”

McNamee chose Ballarat to build Hsieh’s match practice after being alerted to the tournament by his fellow charge Mitchell Burman, who contested the men’s draw.

Ballarat teenager Zoe Hives reached the semi-finals of the women’s main draw, bowing out to Rajicic 6-4 6-4 at Ballarat Regional Tennis Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Rajicic, with sister Monika, got the better of Hives again late yesterday in the women’s doubles final.

The Rajicic sisters defeated Hives and her Bacchus Marsh partner Sophie Torcello, 6-4 6-2.

melanie.whelan@fairfaxmedia.com.au