World No. 52 Veronika Kudermetova commented on her victory over her sister Polina in the first round of the Madrid tournament. The elder Kudermetova won the match with a score of 6/2, 6/2.
“It`s very difficult when your closest person in life is on the other side. Of course, in tennis you don`t choose your opponent, but it`s truly hard. I don`t even know how to describe these emotions; you wouldn`t wish this on anyone.”
– It seemed like Polina was comforting you at the net, even though based on the score, the opposite would be logical.
“I`m just a very family-oriented person, and she is my closest person. And going out to play against her like this… It`s very difficult. If you don`t have a brother or sister, especially on the Tour, it`s hard to understand. I think few people would understand.”
– You and Polina are very close in the rankings now; she even briefly overtook you this year. Is there more joy for her in this, or something else?
“I don`t compete with her; I`m a family person again. Of course, I would like to return to those ranking spots myself, into the Top 10. But that depends on my work; everyone`s achievements and merits are their own.”
