The start of the Round of 32 in the Women’s Singles Event at the LIEBHERR European Championships delivered thrilling duels.
Izabela LUPULESKU of Serbia overcame her teammate Aneta MAKSUTI in a seven-game thriller.
“It was so hard and awkward. I’m not used to playing for a relatively high position at a major championship against my teammate. It felt strange to fight and without fighting I couldn’t lift my game. In addition MAKSUTI constantly received warnings for her service which made me feel uneasy ” explained LUPULESKU.
Afterward she was caught in a whirl of emotions realizing what had just happened.
“I’m into the Round of 16 in singles playing for a medal in doubles tomorrow and I reached the quarterfinals of the mixed doubles. All of this after the misery I went through these past few weeks. I got injured in China dislocating my kneecap. Then I got a heavy virus with all kinds of stomach problems. All in all I had only a few training sessions. It affected my confidence—I came here feeling insecure and jittery thinking I’d be going home quickly. Then I beat Lea RAKOVAC who had a great record against me and Aneta who beat me two years ago. I think the Olympics makes all the difference. Despite the difficulties my game has blossomed thanks to the magic of the Games ” added LUPULESKU.
Bernadette SZOCS of Romania secured her spot in the Round of 16 after a powerful win over Annett KUFMANN of Germany.
“I am very happy with my performance but I have to say that I prepared very well for this match. Annett is among the top players and I didn’t leave anything to chance. From the very first ball until match point I stayed focused and determined. I used a lot of variation in my game. I am proud of my tactics. I am one step closer to a medal but there’s still a long way to go. When I came here I forced myself to avoid any pressure and to play more freely. So far it has worked perfectly ” said SZOCS.
Sofia POLCANOVA faced a trouble-free path to the Round of 16 with a 4-0 win over Veronika MATUNINA of Ukraine.
“I was a bit unfocused at the beginning; these are long intense days and you can feel it. I have to push myself hard and I have to let my emotions out to stay active. Now I’m going to eat something then hopefully get some sleep although as always I won’t be able to ” said POLCANOVA with a smile.
Elizabeta SAMARA of Romania beat Solomiya BRATEYKO of Ukraine in five games.
“We played three matches in the past four months. In June in the Polish league it was 3-2 and at the Olympics I beat her 4-3. Knowing her I knew I had to seize any opportunity that occurred. Solomiya’s game is so difficult. Her balls didn’t have spin; she just placed them on the table but with high quality. My coach told me not to rush and to wait for the right moment. Easier said than done. I knew I had to maintain my control and leave her with fewer options ” said SAMARA.
In the next round she will meet Sabine WINTER of Germany.
“I lost against her in singles at the World Cup and also in the team events in Romania at the European Championships. On the other hand I beat her in Slovenia so I’m sure it’s going to be a good match ” said SAMARA.
WINTER beat Franziska SCHREINER in an all-German clash for a place in the round of 16.
“The racket is completely wrecked – serves were taken away from me today that had never been taken away in my entire life. Then I was left with only one serve option which made the game against Franzi difficult since she knows my serve from training and I had even fewer variations. I think I handled the situation well and turned my emotions into a fight. It was a nervous start for both of us; the level improved somewhat but in the end the game wasn’t fun it was pure battle. But one of my strengths is to fight and that helped. I need to calm down a bit take it easy and try to enjoy the game tomorrow ” said WINTER.
After a shaky start Nina MITTELHAM of Germany managed to beat Gaia MONFARDINI of Italy 4:3.
“It was a day full of battles today. I didn’t start well but Gaia played very well in the beginning. I knew she’s not my favorite opponent; I’ve known her for a long time. But in the end she also got a bit nervous and I’m glad I won the match. I still make a lot of easy mistakes and I’m just missing the plan for how to continue after my own serve. I also didn’t have confidence in my long serve but I just tried every ball and in the end I pulled off the match. I’ve played against Fu Yu many times before and won every time recently. I like playing against her because I enjoy her rhythm ” said MITTELHAM.
Christina KALLBERG of Sweden overcame Anna HURSEY of Wales in straight games.
“It was more than good evening. I give myself a high rating. I followed the tactics throughout the match and didn’t make it harder than it needed to be. What I won on was stability. My service was as it should be and I got some easy points there. There weren’t many rallies.”
In next round KALLBERG will meet POLCANOVA.
“I’ve lived in Linz just like her. We’ve trained together a bit before. I know her somewhat at least. It’s definitely a tough match and I’m not the favorite but I believe in myself.”
Linda BERGSTRÖM prevailed against Ivana MALOBABIC of Croatia.
“It’s really fun to still be in both events. We’ll start the day tomorrow with a medal match in doubles. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
Singles against Bernadette?
“It will be a fun match. I’ve beaten her a couple of times the last one being in January this year. We’ll see what kind of match it turns into tomorrow but I always enjoy playing against her. We’re the same age and have been competing for a long time. It’s going to be fun!”
