Bouzková managed a nervous start at the tournament in Prague and you are enjoying the home advantage
Update: 25/07/2022 16:06
Issued by: 25/07/2022, 13:16
Prague – Tennis player Marie Bouzková shook off her initial nervousness upon entering the Livesport Prague Open tournament and is enjoying the benefits of the home WTA event. The 24-year-old native of Prague defeated Austrian qualifier Sinja Krausová 6:2, 7:6 and advanced to the 2nd round in Stromovka. The Wimbledon quarter-finalist felt the pressure of expectations before the duel, but believes that she will be more relaxed next time. He also enjoys the unique opportunity to commute to matches directly from home.
“I’m happy that I managed it today, and I even took a breather. The first matches are always tricky at tournaments,” said Bouzková at the press conference. “I like playing at home, but sometimes it’s extra stressful. When you see before the match how many people have come and you know they’re coming to see you, you don’t want to disappoint them. It can be a bit overwhelming. But I’m glad I survived, and in the next round they will be relaxed,” added the Czech tennis player.
The eighth seed led against the 208th player in the world, Krausová, 6:2 and 3:0. After that, however, she did not avoid minor outages. “It was probably with me. Concentration and such. I also had to adapt to the concrete,” said Bouzková, who faced the Austrian rival and defeater of Tereza Smitková for the first time in her career. “I didn’t know her at all. I didn’t know what she was going to play and what was waiting for me. I tried to be myself, but after the long break (from Wimbledon) it was difficult to get into the match rhythm,” said the 66th player in the world.
At 6:2, 4:2, Bouzková required treatment, then lost her serve and decided the match only in a tie-break. “I got a blister, it was nothing serious. I just needed to patch it up and then I didn’t know about it anymore. The break threw me a bit out of rhythm, but as far as the treatment is concerned, it will be fine until the next match and nothing there are no limits to me,” assured Bouzková.
She also had to deal with a lot of heat during the match. “It’s true that it was hot, but it will be even hotter in the afternoon. I’m glad I played at eleven. But last week it was similar weather, so I got used to it. I feel good physically and I’m ready. And if the heat continues, I’ll take it maybe even as a plus that it might help me,” she said.
Last year, Bouzková won the doubles with Lucía Hradecká in Prague’s Stromovka, but she advanced to the second round of the singles here for the first time in her career. He is starting the tournament for the fifth time. “I’m happy for it and I hope it won’t be my last win either. There’s a great atmosphere and the audience will always support you,” said the quarter-finalist at this year’s Wimbledon. In the next round, she will face the Swiss Ylena In-Albonová or the Czech qualifier Dominika Šalková.
While foreign rivals live in the area, Bouzková uses domestic advantages. These include commuting from home. “It’s the only tournament in a year where I sleep in my own bed, so it’s perfect for me,” Bouzková said with a smile. “I also have my brother around me all day long, which is not the case in other tournaments. On the other hand, you have to adapt quickly and seriously to matches like in other tournaments,” added the Czech tennis player.
Women’s tennis tournament Livesport Prague Open
(hard surface, $251,750 subsidy):
Singles – 1st round:
Bouzkova (8-CR) – Krausová (Austria) 6:2, 7:6 (7:2), Hibinová (Japan) – Buzarnescuová (Romania) 6:2, 6:2.