Russian world No. 46 Veronika Kudermetova commented on her two matches against fellow Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova at Roland Garros. In the singles third round, Kudermetova lost 2-6, 2-6. However, partnering Elise Mertens, she defeated Alexandrova and Peyton Stearns in their doubles encounter with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Regarding the doubles match, Kudermetova said, “I don`t even know how we managed to pull off that match. We slightly changed our tactics and managed to turn the game in our favor.”
She added, “During matches like that, when you need to make a comeback, we simply support and encourage each other during the points. Then, during the changeovers, we discuss what needs to change and how we can turn the match around.”
“But we simply shouldn`t have let it get to that point – we are definitely to blame for getting ourselves into that situation.”
Speaking about playing Alexandrova in both singles and doubles on the same day and her struggles in the singles match, Kudermetova stated, “I couldn`t even show 20 percent of my game. I can`t explain the reason myself yet. Of course, you get frustrated in a situation like that; how else could you feel, because you want to show at least half of your level in such moments.”
“We both played messily, both were very nervous. But Katya proved to be more stable, more resilient. That`s how she won, and I was angry at myself. I couldn`t find a way out of the situation.”
Asked about the perception that Alexandrova`s game has changed, Kudermetova responded, “I myself didn`t give Katya a chance to show anything of her own; it was all me. I brought her everything on a silver platter. With my kind of game, it didn`t matter who was on the other side, the result would have been the same. I still can`t find the reason why I couldn`t show even a minimal level.”
Rupert Hartwell