Czech tennis player Tereza Sisková secured her first career singles victory at a grand slam tournament during the US Open qualifying rounds, according to reports from Tenisový svět, overcoming a frantic last-minute entry and early struggles on the court. Ranked 207th in the world, Sisková spent an entire Monday waiting at Flushing Meadows for a spot to open before ultimately replacing an injured opponent on Tuesday.
Last-Minute Call-Up at Flushing Meadows
Sisková spent nearly twelve hours at the Flushing Meadows complex on Monday, waiting from 7:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. in hopes of entering the qualifying draw, according to Tenisový svět. The opportunity materialized on Tuesday when Spanish player Sara Sorribesová Tormová withdrew at the last moment.
At the time of the withdrawal, Sisková had just finished practicing with Barbora Krejčíková and hitting serves with Domča Šalková. As she noted to Tenisový svět, she was literally heading to the restroom when the tournament supervisor called with the news. She quickly changed and rushed to the courts.
Did you know? Tereza Sisková was ranked 207th in the WTA rankings when she secured her historic first grand slam singles win, entering the tournament as a late alternate.
Overcoming Early Troubles Against Nohaová Akugue
Playing her first match on a hard court in a long time with minimal preparation, Sisková dropped the first set 6:1 to world number 137 Nohaová Akugue, according to Tenisový svět. She admitted that she initially expected too much from herself instead of playing simple tennis.
The Czech competitor rebounded to take the second set 6:4. In a tense third set, she fell behind 1:3 and later failed to convert a match point at 5:4, but ultimately closed out the match 7:5. Sisková described the performance to Tenisový svět as her worst tennis-wise at a grand slam, yet praised her mental approach for carrying her through.
Mindset and Upcoming Match Against Hibino
Prior to this breakthrough, Sisková had fallen in the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon four years ago, as well as at Roland Garros and the All England Club earlier this year, according to Tenisový svět. She credited her relaxed mindset for the turnaround, joking that she was already planning shopping trips with her sister for the following day.
“I had no big expectations, thanks to which I managed even difficult situations,” Sisková told Tenisový svět. In the second round of qualifying, she is scheduled to face Japan’s Nao Hibinová, noting that she learned she would even play just hours before her opening match and knew little about her next opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tereza Sisková enter the US Open qualifying draw?
According to Tenisový svět, Sisková entered as a late alternate after Spanish player Sara Sorribesová Tormová withdrew from the tournament on Tuesday.
What was the result of Sisková’s first-round qualifying match?
Sisková defeated Nohaová Akugue 1:6, 6:4, 7:5 to capture her first singles win at a grand slam, as reported by Tenisový svět.
Who is Sisková’s next opponent in the qualifying tournament?
She is set to face Japanese player Nao Hibinová in the second round of qualifying.
What are your thoughts on Sisková’s remarkable turnaround at Flushing Meadows? Leave a comment below and share your favorite underdog stories from this year’s tournament.
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