Tennis: Yulia Putintseva performs perfect slice ahead of ASB Classic

Yulia Putintseva is enjoying being 'world famous' in Kazakstan.

It's not quite on the infamous 'Borat' level, but Putintseva has become quite an identity in the Eurasian country, since the Russian-born player switched allegiances to play under the blue and yellow flag in 2012.

She first grabbed headlines at the 2016 Australian Open, when she upset Caroline Wozniacki in the first round, before her memorable run at Roland Garros in the same year, where she progressed to the last eight before being stopped by Serena Williams.

Last year she reached her WTA final, ironically in St Petersburg.
"It's great to be recognised," said the 22-year-old of her fame. "I was even recognised once in the passport control, which was surprising but I am happy about it."

Putintseva, who is sixth seed at this week's tournament, says the decision to leave her native Russia was fairly straightforward.

"The federation didn't really help players...no good courts, no good hitting partners, anything like that," said Putintseva. "So I was really lucky that the federation of Kazakstan could help me with that. They are really professional in every sort of level, like organising the courts, the balls, the pre-seasons for the juniors, the pro players."

Putintseva, who lost to Marina Erakovic in her only previous main draw appearance at the ASB Classic in 2016, also impressed with her precision during a special sponsor's challenge yesterday at the tournament.

The world No.50 was tasked with opening a bottle of Moet champagne with a sabre — the practice apparently dates back to Napoleon's times — and did it with one clean swipe, like a routine backhand groundstroke, impressing onlookers in the Moet and Chandon lounge.

"It was a fun experience," laughed Putintseva. "I was happy it worked on the first try, so it was pretty cool."