“Paula commented on the victory over Marta in the 3rd round of the Australian Open 2025”, — write: sport.ua
– How would you rate your level of play in the first week of the tournament? Obviously, the conditions in your matches were different, but how do you feel before the second week?
– In the first two matches, my level was very high. But the most important thing is that in all three meetings I showed high psychological readiness. I came here not feeling very confident, to be honest, after the performances in Brisbane and Adelaide. So I had to overcome a difficult situation in the first days, and I am proud that I managed.
– Cold handshake at the end – did it upset you?
– No, it is rather related to her. I think she has difficult experiences related to Ukraine, the war and what she often talks about. I have nothing to do with it.
— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) January 17, 2025
It seems that several factors came together: she lost a difficult match, and the conditions were really difficult for both of us. In the end, all this overlapped, but, in my opinion, there is nothing personal about it.
– You mentioned that it was mostly a psychological struggle. How did you manage to keep a positive attitude during a match that didn’t always go the way you wanted?
At such moments, I only think about giving everything I have, and only then analyze and regret some moments or not.
– Do you use any special techniques to stay in the moment?
– I’m trying. I work a lot with a psychologist to concentrate on each draw, not allowing my thoughts to wander. It is not easy, because sometimes the head “goes” somewhere else. But when I manage to fully focus on a particular draw, my level increases noticeably. I try to maintain this state throughout the match, although sometimes it is not easy.
Video review of the match Marta Kostyuk – Paula Badosa