You will be defeated in sports activities however you possibly can by no means get out. Ask Donna Vekic, who wouldn’t agree extra with this assertion after a historic run on the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Sports activities at all times present a path to come back again and if the desire is robust, one can bounce again. The Croatian star reached the semifinals of Wimbledon after defeating Lulu Solar in three units. It was her maiden Grand Slam semifinal look after quite a few unsuccessful makes an attempt. Earlier immediately, Vekic revealed what motivated her to come back again stronger after years of struggles.
Again in 2021, the 28-year-old suffered a career-threatening knee harm. Subsequently, she struggled with kind and health after present process surgical procedure and had a string of early defeats at tournaments. Exactly talking, the Croatian star had only a solitary quarterfinal look on the main tournaments since 2021. Because of this, Vekic contemplated retirement at a younger age, along with her profession going south.
The turning level got here at this 12 months’s French Open when she reached the third spherical of the event. Vekic suffered a heartbreaking loss there, shedding within the ultimate set tie-breaker to bow out of the event. Though it was a painful defeat for her, it motivated Vekic to carry out higher and attain new heights.
Throughout an interview at Wimbledon, she revealed, “That loss in Paris was so painful nevertheless it motivated me once more to maintain working. It’s loopy in tennis how issues can flip so quick.” Earlier than that, Vekic wished to take a break from tennis however the French Open defeat proved to be a blessing in disguise for her.
What do you assume was the turning level in Donna Vekic’s profession?
Change in coaching routine
Vekic stated she wished to cease taking part in for some time « the Thursday earlier than Roland-Garros » as was giving all the things to tennis however was seeing no returns. « That loss in Paris was so painful nevertheless it motivated me once more to maintain working. It’s loopy in tennis how issues can flip so quick. »
— Carole Bouchard 💜💛 (@carole_bouchard) July 9, 2024
Feelings have run excessive for Vekic as she tasted the success of her endurance of staying on the tour. Earlier immediately, she even had tears in her eyes, whereas making a heartwarming confession.
Donna Vekic has a particular message for her shut ones
Within the quarterfinal encounter immediately, Vekic obtained the higher of Lulu Solar in a hard-fought match 5-7, 6-4, 6-1. Within the course of, she reached her first Grand Slam semifinal, 11 years after making her main-draw debut at majors. Whereas her persistence has been second to none, Vekic has additionally acquired super assist from her household and training employees, who’ve lifted her throughout powerful occasions.
Because of this, when she reasoned her uptick in outcomes, she didn’t overlook her shut ones and issued a heartwarming assertion. After successful her final eight encounter, the interviewer requested her, “In 2021 you suffered a critical knee harm…There have been occasions you admitted there have been doubts concerning the future. How does it really feel to be a Grand Slam semifinalist?”
Vekic obtained emotional as she reminisced how her crew and relations had stayed behind her to inspire her to come back again stronger. Thanking them for this, she stated, “I’ve a full field of individuals there. With out them, I’d not be right here.”
Vekic is joined by her coach, Pam Shriver, and different members of her household. Up subsequent, she faces the winner of the match between Jasmine Paolini and Emma Navarro. It’ll be fascinating to see if Vekic can go until the very finish and carry the Wimbledon trophy.
