“The captain of the women’s team of Ukraine on tennis told about the success of Ukrainian women on the Billy Cup Gin King”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– Elijah, first, congratulations on the victories! What emotions do you have from the fact that Ukraine’s tennis team first came out to such a prestigious tournament as Billy Gin King Cup?
– Well, of course, emotions are the most positive. For the first time in the history of the new format, we managed to get into the final tournament. This is a significant event not only for our team, but also for Ukrainian tennis as a whole. I am proud of the girls who made this dream reality.
– How is it a captain of the women’s team of Ukraine in tennis?
– Well, let’s just say it is not easy. Girls with our character. The captain has a very different task than, for example, in a personal coach. In the few days of the meeting we usually have, you will not have time to change something dramatically. Therefore, the main task is to choose the necessary performers and prepare tactics for a particular opponent.
– Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Katarina Zavatskaya, sisters Kichenok are tennis players who saw a lot on the courts. How is it a captain in a team with such strong tennis players?
– Let’s say so, I also saw a lot on the courts. I see that it is very easy for girls to speak the same language with them. They respect me and listen. I always had a good relationship with them even when we just crossed in the tour.
– Of the six matches against Poland and Switzerland, which match was the most emotional and the most elaborated?
– Probably the second match against Poland. Elina didn’t work out. The rival was uncomfortable. There were five setballs. But Elina showed character. I think it was a key point for us.
FTU. Elina Svitolina – Kichenok’s sisters How will you appreciate? They won the score with a score of 7: 6, 7: 6!
– Yes. Also a difficult match. Then, probably, it was not even fully understood by its importance. And it is very good that they won in two sets. This gave us a great work before the final day.
– Unfortunately, in confrontation with Switzerland, Kostyuk lost, but Svitolina still won the match. So to speak, the experienced Elina felt Martha at the right moment?
– Failed match for Martha. The rival very well and evenly played. Well, it’s tennis. In addition, Martha was injured during the match, which also undoubtedly affected the result. And Elina, as a true leader, removed all the questions in the group.
– For dessert in the match with Switzerland was a good victory of Nadi Kichenok and Katarina Zavatskaya! For confidence and moral spirit, it is good that the girls won this match in such a good style?
– We have already got to Shenchezh. The tournament value did not have a match. Katie needed game practice, Nadia also expressed a desire to play. What won is definitely cool, but it was already a match that did not solve anything.
– Are there already thoughts about Billy Gin King tournament? The eight best teams are being selected there!
– No. We are still enjoying the moment.
FTU – In your opinion, are there any rivals that can be brought to the category of desired? Will all be strong there?
– I will not build any forecasts now, I do not like to do it. There will be a lot, a grid, we’ll talk there.
– What will be for Ukraine, Billy’s debut Cup Gin King will add some drive?
– I very much hope that I can collect our strongest composition. In this case, we can hope for good results.
– Do you like a team captain how will you set up for this tournament and how do you cook?
– It is very early to talk about it.
– The fact that you, as a captain of the national team of Ukraine, went to this tournament, can you bring yourself into the asset, as is one of your brightest victories in your career?
– Undoubtedly, this is a historical event. But still a player’s career is quite different. And we will not overestimate the role of the captain. Still, it is mostly the merit of our tennis players that we will play in the final tournament.
– On the eve of some of the most tournament of the season, your opinion about our tennis players is interesting. What about their shape? Are they ready to light on the courts?
– Yes. All in good form or they are recruited. I hope that a week in Poland will give them positive emotions and self -confidence.
– Elina Svitolina and Marta Kostyuk can please Ukrainians with victories Can the finals in the Grand Slam tournaments?
– I think so. They can also deserve it.