Tsvetana Pironkova is determined to continue playing what she describes as ‘carefree tennis’ on the Tour after her shock run at the US Open.
The 32-year-old was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Serena Williams on Wednesday in what was her first competitive tournament in more than three years. Pironkova has been absent from the Tour due to the birth of her first child Alexander. Returning to action in New York with the help of her protected ranking, she scored high-profile wins over the likes of Garbine Mugurza and Donna Vekic earlier in the tournament. The performance by the Bulgarian has drawn praise from many within the sport, including fellow mother Williams.
“I could barely win a match when I came back, so she’s incredible,” she said. “Her baby has to be younger than mine – you play a match, go home and you’re still changing diapers, it’s like a double life.”
A former top 40 player and Wimbledon semi-finalist back in 2010, Pironkova is once again blossoming in the sport but this time later in her career. The unexpected run has also triggered the inevitable hype surrounding her much of a threat she could pose over the coming months. Although the idea of applying extra expectation to her future goals isn’t one Pironkova intends to do.
“I guess there will be more expectations after this tournament, for sure, but whether I put them on myself or not, I think I will not,” Pironkova explained.
“I will try not to, because I know for sure that’s what helped me here, is just go in the court and try to enjoy it as much and to play my best tennis carefree. Going to try to keep it that way, I hope.”
Initially having doubts about how she would fare in New York, Pironkova hopes her run will help inspire others in her home country. At present there are only three Bulgarian players in the top 200 – two on the women’s Tour and one on the men’s. Although when the rankings are updated Pironkova will also join them around the 150 mark.
“I guess the message would be to always believe in yourself, because that’s actually the most important thing,” she said. “When you go into a match, everyone is prepared physically, but then I guess the match is decided from the mental part. You have to be really prepared in that. Self-belief, a lot of work, a lot of dedication, of course, and I guess that’s a good combination.”
Reflecting on her New York performance, the former world No.31 rates it as one of the best of her career but is eager not to let it overshadow her other achievements. Including winning her first and only title in Sydney six years ago.
“Definitely one of the most special moments in my career, but, you know, I’m not trying to compare them, because before I have also had my very strong moments like the semifinal in Wimbledon, like the title in Sydney, like the quarterfinal in Wimbledon and Roland Garros. So it’s quite a long journey, and it’s been amazing. It still is. I just feel privileged to be here and to be able to, you know, play my favorite sport in such a big arena.” She concluded.
Pironkova is one of nine mothers to feature in the women’s draw this year’s the US Open.
