World No. 52 Veronika Kudermetova shared her emotions after her first-round match at the Madrid tournament, where she defeated her younger sister Polina with a score of 6/2, 6/2.
Veronika admitted that playing against her closest relative was incredibly difficult. “It`s very hard when your closest person in life is on the other side,” she said, adding that she wouldn`t wish such emotions on anyone.
On the court, it was noticeable that Polina, despite the loss, tried to support her older sister. Veronika explained her feelings by saying she is “a very family person.” For her, playing against her sister, the closest person, was particularly tough. She believes only those who have a sibling who is also an athlete can understand the depth of these emotions.
Answering a question about competing with her sister in the rankings (Polina briefly surpassed her earlier), Veronika emphasized: “I don`t compete with her; I`m a family person.” Her goal is to return to the Top 10, but she understands this depends on her own work and achievements.
