Ania Setien was one of the players on the reserve list for this week’s Madrid Spain Masters 2023. Less than one day before its kick-off, the Spaniard was told that she’d been promoted and would be playing in the qualification round. 

This daunting but exciting news did not stop the player from going on court with confidence. “I did not expect to play today but here I am, and I have won. I could not be happier,” stated Setien. “I remember joking during training yesterday about qualifying from the reserve list and if I would be facing Clara Azurmendi. I could not believe it when they told me I would be playing. “

Before making it to the main draw, Setien would first have to win one match in the qualification stage. She got to make it to the main draw with a win against France’s Yaelle Hoyaux, 21-19 21-19.

“I was feeling great on court. I’m not going to lie, I was a bit nervous in the beginning. There were many people in the crowd and this is a big tournament, and it’s my first time playing in this kind of tournament,” said Setien.

Playing on home soil, it will be a full Spanish match-up between Setien and Clara Azurmendi. “I am really looking forward to playing this match. We are both from the same club. I am excited to play against each other in a tournament of such a level and for this to mean that a Spaniard will advance on to the next round,” said Setien about tomorrow’s clash.

“It will be a tough match. Clara is a great player, but I will give it my all.”