Illustrative photo – Czech Republic – Great Britain, Billie Jean King Cup qualification match, April 16, 2022, Prague. Markéta Vondroušová from the Czech Republic rejoices over her victory over Emma Raducanuová from Great Britain.
Paris – Tennis player Markéta Vondroušová is enjoying her return to the popular Roland Garros after last year's absence due to injury. The finalist of the tournament from 2019 knocked out the American Alycia Parks 6:4, 6:0 today in the 1st round and was happy that the organizers named her as one of the possible surprises of the competition. She also told Czech journalists that, just like four years ago, she is led by coach Jan Hernych, who replaced Jiří Fencl.
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“Last year I had an operation (on my wrist) and was quite sad that I wasn't here. I couldn't even watch the tournament. But now I'm excited to be here and in shape. I came with recorded matches and I feel good. Everyone I've been very happy here for a year,” stated Vondroušová
The 23-year-old native of Sokolov avenged last year's defeat in Angers and flashed reliable strikes. On the contrary, Parks, who relies on the punch, made 50 unforced errors. “Last year we played together on a hard indoor surface and it was even worse there. I knew that on clay it would be a different match and better for me. Even though I didn't start well, I felt good. I knew that she would everything will be shot and there won't be much play. I was ready,” stated the 60th player in the world.
After switching to clay, Vondroušová scored her ninth victory out of 11 matches. The form was also noticed by the organizers of Roland Garros, who marked her, together with the Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinin and the Egyptian Majar Sharif, as a possible surprise. “It's great that I'm not forgotten. But now all the girls are balanced, whether they're ranked 10th or 50th. Every match at the Grand Slam is difficult, that's why I'm excited that the first round turned out like this,” said the Olympic silver medalist from Tokyo.
He is in Paris with old coach Hernych. She also worked with him in 2019, when she reached the final in Paris. “We broke up before Madrid (in April). My physio and husband Štěpán were with me in Rome, because Herňa was still on vacation. In Paris, after a few years, we renewed our cooperation. He is such a talisman of mine, so I she added him to the team again,” Vondroušová said with a smile.
She still remembers the four-year-old campaign. “This Grand Slam is my favorite. I also played well here in the juniors. I like to remember all the successes here. Even more so now that I'm still playing well and I have confidence. I want to keep playing the best matches,” she said.
< p>In the next round, Vondroušová will face ninth seed Darja Kasatkinová from Russia. They have a balanced record of 2:2. “I knew that the draw would be more difficult. You have to take that into account when you are not seeded. She is also quite good on clay. It will be a good match and anything can happen,” she said.
Rival she will be in the role of a paper favourite, but Vondroušová is also beginning to perceive her strength. “One has nothing to lose, but I'm already in a position where I don't have anything to lose anymore. It's already such that everyone expects me to win. Rather, it's turning around. I'm going into it like everyone else match and see each other,” added Vondroušová.
