Desert fan Hantuchova back to defend Indian Wells title

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

INDIAN WELLS, California (Reuters) - Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova is back at one of her favorite venues this week to defend her Pacific Life Open title at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The 24-year-old won the tournament for a second time by beating Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-4 in last year's final and relishes playing in the California desert.

"I feel like I own this place," Hantuchova told Reuters on Wednesday while preparing for her second-round match against American Angela Haynes.

The Slovakian is the fifth seed at the opening Masters Series event of the season. All seeded players get a bye in the first round.

"Ever since I got here the first time, I have always felt so great here," Hantuchova added. "I guess the atmosphere is so relaxing.

"There are really no distractions so you can just focus on the tennis and I think that's what helps me, just being focused and enjoying my time here so much."

Although a few leading players in recent years have described the Indian Wells Tennis Garden's hardcourt surface as too slow, Hantuchova disagrees.

RIGHT BOUNCE