“Daria commented exclusively for Sport.ua on the triumph on the 75th thousandth in Glasgow”, — write: sport.ua
– Daryna, what are your emotions after winning the hard tournament in Glasgow, Scotland?
– Winning a tournament is always a positive emotion. This is a reward for your work in training. This is confirmation that you are moving in the right direction.
– If we talk about the tournament, which match was the easiest and which was the most difficult? For example, was the match with the experienced German Mona Bartel on the same level as the final? In this meeting, you made a comeback in your style after losing the first set and won 2:1 (2:6, 6:4, 6:4).
– I would say that the tournament passed in one breath, except for the semifinals. In it, I could not immediately enter the match, adapt to her serves. But at the end of the second set I succeeded. And then I had to hold my serve, which I did. Statistics showed that Barthel served 19 aces and 7 doubles.
– How would you rate the final match separately? You beat the Swiss Susan Bandecki with a rather comfortable score of 2:0 (6:4, 6:3). Is this the kind of finale you dream of, as they say?
– From the outside it seemed that it was easy. But it was the final and everything could be different in it. Therefore, I am simply satisfied that everything turned out in my favor.
– In October 2023, you beat Mona Barthel in the final of the Scottish Open with a score of 2:0 (6:4, 6:4). You beat her in the semi-finals this year. You beat her again in Scotland – how can you comment on that?
– It is always difficult to play with a player like Mona. She plays, as they say, on experience. But I understood what to expect from her. So I needed to execute my game plan. And it worked very well.
– Can we say that Scotland is a fart country for you? You’ve won two finals out of two here. Maybe your climate is in Scotland or something else?
– In general, Great Britain, and Scotland is also included in it, is a fartova for me since 2019. Then I won Roehampton and Wimbledon. So yes, I really enjoy playing in the UK, which means everything suits me there.
– How do you like Glasgow in general? During your stay in the city, what interesting things did you see in it, what did you like?
– In Glasgow, given the weather, you won’t be able to walk much. Because of this, I could not see something interesting.
– You are a football fan. While you were in Glasgow, Celtic thrashed Falkirk 4-0 on October 29th. And interestingly, on November 2, on the day of your Scottish League Cup final, Celtic beat Rangers 3-1. Maybe followed these matches while you were in Glasgow? That is, it is a pleasant coincidence that you won the tournament in Glasgow, and on the same day the legendary “Old Firm” derby between “Celtic” and “Rangers” took place in the city.
– Two years ago, when I was in Glasgow for the tournament, “Celtic” also played, but in the Champions League with “Atletico”. Now they play in the Europa League. These are not such exciting matches and rivals, of course, not of the same level. I don’t follow the Scottish Championship. Therefore, when I won my final, three hours later I was already on the plane and the derby was neglected.
– This is already your 11th ITF title in your career. Can we say that he is somehow special to you? That is, after a streak of three defeats in the finals, you won for the first time in almost a year and a half, starting in May 2024. Are there special emotions from this?
– I don’t see anything special. Just another 11th. Unless after a year and a half break and three consecutive lost finals.
– Is it nice to win the debut trophy at the end of the season? Will it give confidence in the new season?
– It doesn’t matter when and which. It is important to record a trophy in your asset. Every victory in the final adds confidence. And this is no exception.
– Can the victory in Glasgow be somehow compared in terms of emotions with your triumph at the youth Wimbledon?
– Over the years, you understand that no emotions after winning matches can compare with the emotions of a junior girl who wins the Grand Slam title at junior Wimbledon on court number 1. They cannot be repeated or forgotten either. These emotions last a lifetime.
– You rose in the updated WTA ranking by 15 positions and now you are on the 150th place. How do you comment on such success?
– Step by step, I am recovering lost positions.
– What will you set a bar for yourself in the WTA ranking next year?
– I do not set any bar. If there will be a good game, then there will be a corresponding place in the rating.
– What are your immediate plans? Will you be playing anywhere else this year?
– I plan to play Luxembourg 75 and two tournaments in the UAE 75 and 100.