“I enjoy playing in front of Czech fans,” says Laura Samson

Sixteen-year-old Laura Samson (634.) had a dream WTA debut. The young Czech player beat Croatian Tara Würth (461.) 6-2 6-0 in front of her home crowd at the Livesport Prague Open 2024 and earned a solid 30 points to help her rise in the World ranking.

Tara Würth was out of the match from the get-go. She held her serve only once and didn’t live up to her role as a slight favourite on paper. On the flip side, wild card player Laura Samson controlled play perfectly and was all smiles in the newsroom after the match. 

You only lost two games on your WTA debut. Does it get better than that?
“I’m really happy. I think I’ve shown I have a chance – even on a WTA tournament. She played well but I analysed her play ahead and knew what to expect.” 

You only spent an hour and 13 minutes out on the court. What was the deciding factor of the match?
“The girls told me she had a strong forehand, but I played it there for her anyway and I could see she was making mistakes. I think I just felt better overall.” 

How did you enjoy the atmosphere of the biggest tournament in Czechia? Especially since you played on the courts of the Sparta Prague Tennis Club – your home courts…
“It was great. The court we played on is one I train on a lot. I’m used to it here – I know everyone, and the place just feels like home. It was nice that I have my own locker here, so I didn’t have to bring as much gear as to other tournaments. Playing in front of Czech fans is something I really enjoy, and I was really looking forward to playing here!” 

Did the home tournament pressure get to you?
“Not really, I went into the match focused on playing the best I can, and I’ll do the same again tomorrow. This is my first WTA tournament, so I have nothing to lose.”

You made it all the way to the final of the Roland Garros Juniors this year, now you’ve won on your WTA debut. Is clay your favourite surface to play on?
“Definitely not! I like hard courts more but it’s nice to have success on clay as well.”

It’s been very hot in Prague these last few days. Some players have really struggled with the heat and have even had to be hospitalised. Has the weather affected you?
“I actually really enjoy this weather; it really hasn’t been an issue. Looking back at my results, I’ve always played better when it’s been hot. I played well in Mexico, or at the US Open where the weather was similar.”

What’s your goal for the remainder of the tournament? How far do you want to go?
“I didn’t go into the tournament with any goals. I want to play good tennis, it’s a WTA 250 tournament in the end. But I for sure want to go as far as possible!” 

Livesport Prague Open 2024 (women, CZE, 267 082 USD, clay)
First round singles
Tara Würth (CRO, 465.) – LAURA SAMSON (631.) 0:6, 2:6

Photo: Livesport Prague Open / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports

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