It was a victory through pain, says Valentova

Tereza Valentova got her revenge for last year in the best possible way. The 19-year-old Czech battled past compatriot Marie Bouzkova 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(6) after two hours and 44 minutes in front of packed stands to reach the semifinals of this year's Livesport Prague Open. Speaking immediately after the match, she reflected on the emotions of her victory, her comeback despite back pain, and the electric atmosphere on Centre Court.

Just like last year, Valentova ended her match against Bouzkova in tears. This time, however, they were tears of joy and emotion as, after a gripping battle, she was able to fall onto her back in celebration and soak up the applause from the crowd. The demand for tickets was so high that the upper tier of the renovated Livesport Arena was opened for the first time.

"I honestly don't even know what to say right now, but I'm so happy I managed to do it. Maruska is a great player and she's also my friend, so it's always difficult to play against her. I'm really pleased I managed to turn it around in the third set. The ending was unbelievable because she played really well. I think we both produced some great tennis, so I hope the fans enjoyed it," said the smiling Czech youngster.

She admitted, however, that she finished the match largely through determination.

"I was really playing through a lot of pain. During one game I felt a sharp pain in my back and it kind of locked up afterwards. I couldn't even bend forward. The physio gave me some tablets and they gradually started working, but it definitely wasn't pleasant," she explained about the problems she experienced in the deciding set.

"It still hurts, I can definitely still feel it. Now my team and I have to work on it and try to get me back to full fitness as quickly as possible. Hopefully it's nothing serious and my back just seized up," she added.

After the match, Valentova and Bouzkova shared a hug and exchanged a few words.

"I don't even really remember exactly what we said. She congratulated me, I thanked her, and then she asked how I was feeling and whether I could even walk. I told her barely. Maruska is such a lovely person and I'm really happy I got to share the court with her again. It's always a pleasure to play against her," Valentova said.

The crowd also played a major role in her victory.

"It was almost completely full and the fans were amazing. They kept pushing me forward. That's exactly what I needed to forget about the pain. The adrenaline was incredible and the atmosphere was unbelievable, so a huge thank you to everyone. They were wonderful and I hope they'll come again," she said.

Next up for Valentova is Ukraine's Daria Snigur.

"From what I saw today, she played unbelievably well. I'll go out there, try to enjoy the match and do everything I can to bring another win over to my side," Valentova concluded.

Photo: Czech Tennis Association / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports

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