ZAVATSKA: “We all know that we are better, that we have to win in them”

“Performing in the team tournament is a game for the national team and for Ukraine. The fact that this is a game for Ukraine motivates me a lot. When I made my debut for the national team in a doubles match, I was very worried, it was a big responsibility for me. I’m just not used to this. Now this is already my seventh performance, so I feel confident in my abilities. Yes, I had defeats, but there were also victories. So I know how to deal with it, I know I can do it. You have to take responsibility, but put it aside a little bit, not focus on the fact that I have to win for the country, for the team. Otherwise, it’s too much pressure on yourself. But if you look at it differently, they say, it’s cool that I play for the country, for the team, they support me, they are there and can give some tips. So this time I like to play, it’s true.

The first training sessions here went well. At first, I also thought about how I would manage to change the surface and switch from clay to hard. But after training here I feel good, I think I have time to prepare for the match 100% and record all these combinations and match situations on hard.

What can I say about the Austrian team? I know both Graber and Paszek, with whom I played, and I also know Kraus. I would say that they like soil more. But it doesn’t play a big role because when we go on the court we are all equal, it’s a 50/50 chance for everyone. Yes, we all know that we are better, that we have to win them, but on the court, I think it is important to know that this is an equal match and we need to turn on all our resources, all our attention. In this tournament, anyone can shoot that you don’t understand, they say, she is from the third or second hundred, what happened? Therefore, I think we need to be ready for all these rivals and choose good tactics, be in a cheerful mood, ready to fight and win. I believe that there will be many Ukrainian flags on the stands, that we will have support, because many Ukrainians have now moved around the world. I think they will be interested in coming to watch our match. When you see Ukrainian flags on the stands and people’s support, it certainly gives you a boost.

Is there a chance that I will play in pairs as well? It is possible, yes, because in a week of performance in pairs I showed such progress in my game since the summer, as in six months. Therefore, if we have to play in a doubles match as well, I think I have the confidence to play a pair with Nadiya Kichenok.”