Harriet Dart news: ‘It’s quite surreal,’ says Brit about Indian Wells run, but insists ‘it’s not by chance’

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Delight for Harriet Dart

She has put in the hard work and now she is reaping the benefits with Harriet Dart admitting she is “enjoying every minute” of her time at the BNP Paribas Open.

Dart is on a roll at Indian Wells as she continued her career-best run at a WTA 1000 event with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over former top 20 player Kaia Kanepi in the third round.

The 25-year-old had to qualify to reach the main draw and she booked her place in round two after her opponent Ana Konjuh retired with the Brit 6-1, 3-1 ahead.

She followed it up with the best result of her career as she upset former world No 1 Elina Svitolina in three sets in round two and then set up a fourth-round clash against Madison Keys with a victory over Kanepi.

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While some might be surprised by her results, world No 122 Dart says it has been coming.

“My ranking might not show where my level is, but I’ve always believed my level has been there,” she said.

“I put in the work day in, day out, and finally to be able to put a run like this together, it’s not by chance.

“I always have nothing to lose – especially at these events. It’s kind of a bonus to be able to play another match in this amazing place. It’s quite surreal. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Dart’s run to the fourth round means she will climb into the WTA top 100 for the first time and Keys has been impressed.

“At this point she’s won almost a tournament worth of matches. I think she’s going to be really confident. Just doing whatever she can to win, has no pressure,” she said.

“I think she’s a really great player. She’s a really good ball-striker. She moves well. I think this court suits her game fairly well. Luckily I sent my coach out to watch her match today so he can give me a game plan.”

Harriet Dart Madison Keys

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