These quarterfinals provided great performances from the Danish mixed doubles and a reason to celebrate for the Spanish crowd with the return of their favourite.
It was a good day for the European players in the Madrid Spain Masters 2023 quarterfinals. Despite some falling in today’s stage, there are many that have advanced to the semifinals, to be played tomorrow from 12.00pm (CEST).
While the home crowd did not get to see their favourite player on court yesterday, Carolina Marin returned to the Gallur Hall to face Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira. “I prepared myself for this match and I was ready,” said Marin about the question on whether having played one less match was an advantage or a disadvantage.
“It was amazing like every day that I play here in Madrid. I really appreciate all the support that I have from this crowd – my family is here, and many people came here just to support me,” added the top seeded player in the Super 300 tournament.
Despite getting off to a close start, Marin grew stronger as the match advanced as the crowd cheered loudly from the stands. “I made many mistakes in the first game, more than usual. This is why she might have scored more points. I was a bit frustrated because I did not want to give her many easy points,” says Marin about the first game of the match, which she won 21-16.
The second game was indeed a different story, finishing the match 21-9 in the second game. “I just wanted to keep calm and focused – and this is what I actually did in the second game,” explained the reigning European champion.
Possibly the best match ever
It was also an excellent day for all the European mixed doubles that competed in the quarterfinals. England’s Gregory Mairs/ Jenny Moore secured their spot in the semifinals and so did two Danish duos.
Mathias Christiansen/ Alexandra Bøje could not be happier when getting off court after their big win against top seeds Dechapol Puavaranukroh/ Sapsiree Taerattanachai, Thailand. “We are very happy and so satisfied with our performance. I think that this is the best match we’ve ever played. It was such a high level from us,” stated Bøje.
Mathias Thyrri and Amalie Magelund also delivered quite the performance against Indonesia’s Amri Syahnawi/ Winny Oktavina Kandow. “It was really tense in there. We had a lead, then we stopped playing so they came closer, then they got the lead… We got the last few rallies, and we are really happy with this win. It was so close,” said Magelund, summarising the thrilling last few points.
Even more Europeans in the semifinals
The level keeps getting higher but our European players that remain to fight in the semifinals are ready for the challenge. Danes Maiken Fruergaard/ Sara Thygesen and Anders Antonsen, and France’s Toma Junior Popov will also be playing tomorrow for a spot in the finals in Madrid. Who will make it?