New Zealander 'Mad Era' Erakovic tunes up for French Open

Top-ranked New Zealand player Marina Erakovic has added another string to her racquet, revealing Wednesday she is tuning up for the French Open with the release of her first album.

The world number 143 told the official WTA website wtatennis.com that she put out a six-track EP titled "Incognito" in March.

But she kept quiet for two months until it was unearthed and reviewed by music magazine Divide and Conquer.

"The response has actually been pretty positive," said the 29-year-old and former world number 39.

"I always felt like I was doing it for myself and I never really knew if it was any good, so it's nice to know that people like it, which is a nice feeling."

Performing under the alias The Mad Era, the album is described as synth and guitar-driven alternative pop, written and recorded while on the road.

Erakovic, who lists Kings Of Leon, The Killers, The 1975 and Fleetwood Mac among her favourite artists, said she travels with her laptop and guitar, adding, "I just plug it in and record". 

"Actually the little case I have for my guitar also fits two racquets in it, and that's how I've always travelled. 

"I always have two racquets with me in the case so it's kind of cool, no one knows I play tennis when I'm at the airport. Everyone thinks I'm just carrying a violin." 

Erakovic believes she has "a terrible singing voice" and initially did not want people to know she was singing.

"But I really enjoy it, if it doesn't turn into anything down the road it'll always be a hobby for me, and music will always be a part of me as well as tennis - I think I enjoy them both equally."

Source: AFP