“It’s a major step in my career,” says Bouzková as she wins first WTA tournament
31st July 2022
Marie
Bouzková won her first WTA tournament on attempt #4. The 24-year-old Czech
tennis player played one of her best tournaments ever at this year’s Livesport
Prague Open, following up on a career-best performance at Wimbledon where she
made it all the way to the quarterfinals. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget,”
she said after winning the tournament without losing a single set.
“It’s
amazing, I couldn’t have even dreamt of winning my first WTA title at a better
tournament,” said Bouzková at the post-match press conference, “my three
previous finals were all tough. They were all three-set matches, and I was
always just off, but here, at my home tournament, I’ve finally managed to go
all the way.”
Bouzková
played both the semifinal and the final in front of a sold-out crowd – “Playing
in front of fans who cheer you on after each rally was a new experience for me,
I really can’t be any happier,” she explained.
“I’m just
so happy, I’m really trying to enjoy every minute of it. I won’t forget this
entire week.”
The young Czech player was clearly the better player of the Livesport Prague
Open final, beating Anastasia Potapova, who made numerous mistakes throughout
the match, 6:0 and 6:3 on sets. “My opponent started aggressively, I was
expecting a long match, but I took the first set and focused on my game,” said
Bouzková.
“Once I saw
her starting to lose focus and make mistakes, I let her play and waited for my
opportunity,” she added. “Winning a WTA tournament is a major step in my
career.”
Bouzková
will move up to 46th on the WTA Rankings on Monday, equalling her
career best. Due to the fact she won’t be defending many more points this season
it seems she could move up even more as the season progresses.
“I’m back to
where I was some time ago,” she said, “It’s a great feeling, I’m really
grateful, especially after a tough season last year. I’m really happy with all
the work I put in day in, day out. I want to move up even higher on the
Rankings,” she concluded with a big smile.
Photo: LIVESPORT PRAGUE OPEN / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)
