Since December 2024, Sabine WINTER’S career has followed only one direction sharply upwards. The key to this development lies in an extraordinary decision she made at that time: a complete transformation of her playing system. Since then, her results have spoken for themselves. The latest highlight, a bronze medal at the prestigious World Cup in Macau, has propelled her to a new career-high in the world rankings. As of today, the 33-year-old, who was ranked No. 60 just 16 months ago, has entered the Top 10 for the first time, now standing at World No. 9.
In this DTTB interview, Sabine Winter speaks about her new milestone and her success at the World Cup.
Your third-place finish at the World Cup in Macau earned you the points needed to break into the Top 10. As of today, you are World No. 9 for the first time how does that feel?
“I would never have thought it possible. It all feels completely crazy.”
Not even after the Singapore Smash, where you became the first non-Asian player to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Smash tournament?
“Before the change, I would never have believed it. After the Singapore Smash, I allowed myself to think about it for the first time, but I quickly stepped away from that and focused again on my main goal: to continue developing my new playing system and to get the very best out of it while I am still able to compete at the highest level.”
So for you, the journey itself is the main focus?
“I definitely want to keep the joy of experimenting. I really enjoy figuring out what works and what doesn’t, in order to optimise my system and become even more dangerous for my opponents.”
Enjoyment and development are one side, what role do results play for you?
“When results come from that, like the bronze medal at the World Cup or reaching the Top 10, it’s fantastic and of course gives me even more motivation to keep going.”
In December 2024, you started a very unusual experiment for a professional athlete completely changing your playing system. Was that the key to your success?
“The complete transformation of my system, including switching to an anti-topspin rubber on the backhand, which I integrated into my uncompromising attacking game, initially felt like a big risk. In the end, it turned out to be the best decision of my table tennis career.”
After winning the Europe Top 16, finishing runner-up at WTT Champions Montpellier and third at the Singapore Smash, winning bronze at the World Cup is the highlight of your career so far. How do you place this achievement?
“It is the biggest success of my career so far. The World Cup may not be stronger than a Grand Smash in terms of field but it is the World Cup. Everyone wants to win it. And unlike WTT events, it only takes place once a year. To be completely honest: it feels crazy to be flying home from Macau with a bronze medal. It makes me very proud and very happy.”
You are only the second German player after your former teammate Petrissa SOLJA in 2015 to achieve this.
“Peti is a very good friend – we also became European doubles champions together in 2013. I am very happy and proud to be the one following her with this medal.”
The schedule is very tight. Have you had the chance to properly celebrate your success?
“I will celebrate properly later. There are always new challenges waiting. But as a reward, I will take two or three days off to let everything sink in. That’s something that often gets overlooked.”
What role does your environment play in your success?
“As with all athletes, a very big one. The World Cup success is a great opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone who supports and has supported me, here in Macau, but also in training halls and behind the scenes.”
