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Photo: Badminton Europe / Mark Phelan
Petra Polanc: We can and will surprise you
Date: 4/21/2020 10:08 AM
Published by : BEC Staff

The small mountainous country of Slovenia is not one usually associated with badminton, but there is a young bright talent aiming to change that called, Petra Polanc. 

Polanc, 19, is the two-time Slovenia International mixed doubles champion, with partner Miha Ivančič. Things were developing quite nicely at senior level until that is the whole sporting world came to a halt. Asked how she is feeling at the moment, Polanc openly admits. 

- It's quite stressful at the moment as I really have to consider keeping my family safe and healthy. In addition, I'm also feeling a little anxious as I miss contact with my loved ones, friends from training and coaches. Above all, I miss training on a real court and playing. Right now, I try to train from home as much as possible to stay fit so that I can return to the court in good condition. Now my day is mostly college work and physical conditioning two times per day.

Read: Vivien Sandorhazi: It put much greater pressure on me then it should have

It’s about time!

Polanc first caught the eye when reaching the final of the Slovak Open in 2015 when just 14 years old. Now, she has broken into the top 200 in the world in women’s doubles, and after a recent semifinal run at this year’s Slovak Open in mixed doubles, she sits at 127 in the rankings. Looking ahead at what the next few years will bring, Polanc states. 

- My short-term goal is to win as many ranking points as possible. Not only in Future Series tournaments but also at a higher level - International ones. My other goal is to come in the top eight at Challenge events. I also qualified for the European Championships for the first time this year. Therefore, I'm doing my best to prepare and consequently play the best game I possibly can.

Polanc has been seen playing all three possible categories. Asked whether she is now settling down and focusing on two categories, she responded. 

- It's about time! I've been playing all three categories as I have wanted to get as many experiences as possible, but it's been simply too much. Besides, I got better, and I wasn't losing games in first rounds, therefore I played more and more matches every time, that is why I believe the time has come to eliminate one. My priority is the women’s singles, then the mixed doubles. I will no longer play women doubles abroad. More medals I win, more I will think about focusing on just one category.

Lastly, the ambition to reach the heights for Slovenia is clear to see. Polanc discusses whether we will see Slovenia win a medal at the European Championships in the near future. 

- I think in a few years, yes! With some improvements and changes in the training process I believe, we, Slovenian badminton players, can and will surprise you. A difficult but achievable path awaits us!


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