(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Friends are special for Cici Bellis, the petite American teenager who can hurt the biggest names in the game with her ferocious forehands.
Bellis lacked the belief last year that she belonged at the highest level, despite recording some memorable wins against senior players and earning praise from players like Caroline Wozniacki.
A quarterfinalist here last year, Bellis was unstoppable on the centre court in her opening match on Tuesday, dismantling Australian Open semifinalist Elise Mertens (6-3 6-3) with such ease that she left pundits wondering if she would even send Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, her next opponent, packing on Wednesday.
Bellis admits she has changed and that she's much more confident now.
And she credits her friends for her progress in the demanding world of women's professional tennis.
"I remember an interview here I did last year, somebody asked me if I felt I belonged at this level. I wasn't sure. But now I definitely feel like I belong here more," the world number 41 said.
"I know a lot more people on the tour now. I have a lot more friends. It's definitely more comfortable for me.
"You know few more girls my age started playing these tournaments. Throughout juniors I've been friends with these girls. It's pretty much just like my junior friends coming up."
So who's her best friend?
"Marketa Vondrousova, one of my best friends, we're doubles partners forever. Awesome having her around. Yeah, just a few other girls that have been super nice."
Bellic, who often gets tips from a certain Chris Evert, believes the women's game has changed quite a bit.
"I think obviously when Serena (Williams) was dominating, no one really could beat her. Now that she's been away for a bit, I think basically everyone in the top 10, even top 20, is so strong," she said.
"Any of them can beat each other on any given day, pretty much. Obviously the top ones are a little more consistent.
"I think now I would say there's a little more depth just because everyone kind of feels like at the top of the game they can be No. 1 in the world. Yeah, I don't know, I guess we'll see when she (Serena) comes back."
Coming back to her next match in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships against Muguruza, Bellis says she is going to enjoy every moment of the game against one of the best players in the world.
"I mean, I've never played her before. It's definitely going to be a new experience for me. It will be fun," she said.
"She's an unbelievable player. Yeah, she's been at the top of the game for a while now. It will be great for me just to see where my game lines up against another one of the top players. I will just try to enjoy it. I'm having a lot of fun out here."
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