The second racket of Ukraine Marta Kostyuk gave an interview in the Tennis Channel studio

– You know, at some point it seemed to me that everything was going too well to be true. But the match was very tense. I think Veronica played great. I hurried a little at some points, and the game went to its side. Therefore, I am very pleased with the victory.

It was especially difficult in the third set, but somewhere in the middle of the party I calmed down. I realized that you just need to continue to do your work. And so, the victory is a victory. Obviously, matches become only more complicated as the tournament is advanced. So I’m very pleased with the next round.

– In the third set you looked very collected.

– In the third seat yes (laughs).

– You have devoted more time to raffles, to show patience on the soil. This is a completely different game compared to hard, isn’t it?

– Well, this year I finally managed to remove the “curse” of Madrid. This is my seventh tournament here, and for the first time I went on the second round. So you can already say that it is a good result for me.

I am quite different now to perceive my game. We worked a lot on different aspects, and I see significant changes. In fact, I should be patience on any coating, not just on the soil. We are actively working on it, and I think it gives the result.

Of course, on the soil you need to better build draws, this is another cover. But as a result, everything is reduced to patience and proper construction of the game to make the most effective use of every opportunity in the draw.

– When you say that you started to see your game otherwise you mean a better understanding of your tennis identity?.

– I think yes. Previously, my game was so unpredictable that even for me. Now we are trying to work on this so that at least it becomes clearer to me, even if others still remain unexpected.

In general, you need to be able to find a balance – to cope with your inner demons, with your character. It was important for me to find this harmony. I think with every tournament this year is getting better. I try not to get hung up on the results, but simply do my work day after day and look at what it will lead to.

But it requires a lot of work – and not only on the court, but also inside itself. I think we are doing well and I want to continue in the same spirit.

– This is a really serious internal struggle, you have described it very beautifully. Three Radukan networks in the previous round, three networks today. When you pass through such complex matches, confidence is added? Of course, if it is physically okay and there is no fatigue.

– So far, I had no problem with physical condition, even though the match was quite long today. But to be honest, I didn’t feel that he was so protracted, and I think it was a good sign.

As for the matches, the meeting with Emma Raducana and today’s match with Kudermetova were completely different. With Emma, ​​I felt control of the situation from the outset. Today everything was different: even when I won the first set 6-0 and made a break in the second, I had no sense of confidence. Everything seemed to go well, but I realized that the rival could add at any time.

When Veronica began to feel better, it became more difficult. Today, the third set was much more stressful than in the match with Emma. But I try not to get hung up at all – just do my job. After all, on the other side of the net is also a person who works, fights and wants to win. So the main thing is to focus on your business.