We all have waited for decisive success of 21-year-old Anna Tatishvili for a long time. Now it seems that Anna has the most successful period. She started 2011 well, won the Cuneo tournament (100 000 USD) and became world No.84 seed tennis player.
After the Apennine triumph, Georgian tennis player will participate in Bastad prestigious tournament (220 000 USD). Slovenian Polona Hercog will be the first opponent of Tatishvili in the first round of Collector Swedish Open. The match will start at 13:00 Tbilisi time. In the evening, Anna and Russian Vesna Dolonts will compete in doubles tournament.
“World Sport” contacted Georgian tennis player when she was going to hotel in Bastad. At first, we asked her about the Italian triumph.
Anna Tatishvili: In spite of victory, I want to mention that it was one of the most difficult tournaments. Strong players participated in the tournament and I did not win any matches easily.
- Though, the final was not tense. You beat Dutch Arantxa Rus easily…
- The final was difficult. I can say that I won this match, not Arantxa lost it. I was satisfied with my playing.
- Which stage of the Cuneo tournament was difficult for you?
- The first circle match and semifinal were difficult. I was losing against Italian Karin Knapp 1:4 in the decisive set and I had to give away everything for victory. The semifinal was difficult too. I played three sets against Swiss Stefanie Voegele.
- Thanks to this success, you are in the 84th place on WTA ranking. Perhaps, you feel that a new stage has started in your career…
- It is true. It is a new stage. Now, I will play in prestigious tournaments without qualifying draws and it is a great responsibility for me. I will play in the main draw of US Open which makes me happy. Now, it is important for me to improve playing. After winning the Cuneo tournament, I did not have time to celebrate it. I am already in Sweden and I am thinking about the first match of the Bastad tournament.
- What are your plans in Sweden?
- I cannot say anything in advance. I know that I will play against Hercog in the first round. In case of victory, I will start preparation for the next match and so on…
- In what case will you consider this year successful?
- To tell the truth, my goal was to get in top 100. I have already reached it though the most difficult is to save gained points.
- Tell us about strong and weak sides of your playing.
- I feel well in back line. I think serving is my weak point…
- I wanted to ask you about it. Perhaps, you visit our website and you know how Georgians fans support you. You often win opponent’s serves but lose yours.
- Yes, I know it too (laughs). I should improve serving. I cannot do it at tournaments now. But when I will go back to Florida I know that I will work on this component with my coach.
- Does court surface have any importance for you?
- I cannot see difference. I have never won grass tournaments. I have the same results on other courts.
- What are your plans after the Bastad tournament?
- I will play in two tournaments (220 000 USD). I will visit Palermo next week and then I will compete in Baku Open which director is Leila Meskhi.
- One interesting detail. As we know, players get in London Olympiad 2012 by ratings. What result should you have to get there?
- I really want to play at Olympiad. If I get in top 60 by next spring, I will participate in Olympiad.
Dato Manjavidze
