Following the emotional rollercoaster of the team event for Spain, all focus turns the individual event.
Spain defeated number three seeds Serbia in the group stage and advanced as winners of Group 3. Despite the more favourable draw for their quarterfinal, they were unable to get past Estonia who were the surprise package this year.
Number eight seed in women’s singles, Lucia Rodriguez, who played a big role in their team campaign, explains how they were able to refocus their attention to the individual event.
-The coaches were really good at supporting us. They said that we should not worry about losing the medal and now they need to focus on the individual goals and objectives that they have.
Rodriguez faced Kim Schmidt of Luxembourg. The first game was very level all the way through.
-At the beginning of the first game I was a bit nervous, but then I was able to calm down and focus and win the match.
With a 21-16, 21-11 win, she was very pleased with her performance. Next on court for Spain was third seed Ania Setien. A left-hander who was aiming to follow in the footsteps of 2011 champion, Carolina Marin. But it wasn’t to be.
-I have been for some weeks recovering from a little injury. I have not recovered very well, so I am trying to play my best and I know that Mariia is a very strong opponent.
Ukrainian Mariia Stoliarenko saw the opportunity and took it. Setien, who did not play a part in the team event, was clearly unable to move freely and could not get a foothold in the match which ended 21-15, 21-13.
-I have tried to play very strong shots because if the shuttle is too slow, I can’t go for it. I then tried and anticipate her shots to get as many points as I can.
However, this was not the end of Setien’s European Junior Championship journey, as she was confident she could bounce back in the women’s doubles with Lucia Rodriguez.
-I think I am ready to play in the women’s doubles because you do not have to make the same movements as singles. So, I am ready for it and I will try to win it.
Seconds seeds are out
After a mightily close match against Czech pair Lucie Krpatova/ Katerina Zuzakova ending 21-18, 23-21. Despite being extremely disappointed that her European dream is over, in a very mature interview, Setien said.
- Sometimes things happen that you do not want. We tried to do our best, but I am not good enough in my legs. They are very good players.
Asked how they needed to adapt their game with the injury, they said.
-We were trying to stay in front of the net because I am better there, but they are really clever and pushed me to the back of the court.
Setien, 17, Rodriguez, 16, will have plenty of further opportunities to succeed at this event in the future.
-We want to train more than ever and I am looking forward to the World Championship when it happens, she ended.