Mariya Mitsova is going all in trying to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Women’s Singles.

Two weeks ago the 22-year old Mariya Mitsova made it to the quarter-finals at the European Games in Minsk. Mitsova and Alex Vlaar lost the quarter-final to the bronze medalists, Delphine Delrue/Thom Gicquel, and now it is time for Mitsova to focus on being alone on court.

- I will be stopping playing Mixed Doubles, so I can focus fully on the Women’s Singles. Two categories are very difficult to maintain on a high level, and I want to reach the highest level in Singles. The Women’s Singles competition is getting harder and harder. From first round you see crazy matches in the schedule, Mariya Mitsova said.

- The Olympics is my biggest goal, and I have to try to qualify. After the qualification period I will take a look at it all. I have to make decisions on the run.

Gained experience
Mariya Mitsova and Alex Vlaar are currently ranked 60 in the World, and despite of quitting the Mixed Doubles, Mitsova is happy to have gained experience.

- I was happy, that it was me, who was chosen for the Mixed Doubles. It was a chance for me and playing the Mixed Doubles gave me the chance to play more matches, which I am of course happy for. I got the experience and I got to play in the later stage at the tournament, Mitsova said.

Hard race for Tokyo
The fight for the possible Bulgarian spot at the Tokyo Olympics will be between Mitsova and Linda Zetchiri, and the youngest of the Women’s Singles knows, that it will be a hard race.

- I know that Linda has more experience than I do. In the end, it might be the small things that will be decisive on who is going to the Olympics. It will be hard for me to catch up with her, but on the other hand it is good to have somebody to aim at. Of course, it would be a disappointment for me, if I do not qualify, but I am also realistic.

Mariya Mitsova is currently number 87 on the Women’s Singles World Ranking.