The Women’s Singles quarterfinals at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament, as top seed and defending champion Anna HURSEY of Wales was knocked out by France’s Alexia NODIN.
The 28th seed delivered a superb performance to claim a 4-1 (11-6, 11-5, 11-6, 7-11, 11-5) victory and secure her first medal at the European Under 21 Championships.
From the opening exchanges, NODIN’s defensive style caused problems for HURSEY, who struggled to find solutions against the French player’s consistency and variation.
“I won the first two games quite comfortably because she was having difficulties with my style of play and couldn’t find solutions to win points,” explained NODIN.
The match took an unusual turn when the expedite system was introduced during the third game after long rallies repeatedly extended the duration of play.
“I noticed she was becoming less patient and decided to activate the expedite system. As a defender, I am quite used to playing under these conditions because I have experienced it many times, even when I was very young.”
The change appeared to suit NODIN perfectly.
“When the expedite system started, I was leading 9-5 and managed to win the game. She won the next game because I struggled a little to win points on my own serve, but in the final game I found solutions again. I knew I could win points before the 13th return and I felt more and more confident.”
NODIN sensed her opponent’s frustration growing as the match progressed.
“I think she became frustrated because she was no longer able to finish the points. In the end, I managed to win 4-1 and I was very happy.”
While HURSEY’s exit was the headline result, home favourite Bianca MEI ROSU delighted the local crowd by securing her first European Under 21 Singles medal. The Romanian defeated Poland’s Natalia BOGDANOWICZ 4-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-4, 11-6).
“It was 100 per cent important,” said MEI ROSU when asked about her preparation. “My mentality was very important. This is my first medal at an Under 21 Championships, a big achievement, but my goal is to reach the final and win it.”
The Romanian highlighted her comeback in the second game as one of the keys to victory.
“My mentality was so good. In the second set I was behind by a few points and managed to come back. That was the most important aspect.”
MEI ROSU also benefited from previous experience against her opponent.
“I had played against Natalia before and I knew her style. She puts a lot of balls on the table, so I had to play really well.”
Another quarterfinal produced a remarkable comeback as Slovenia’s Sara TOKIC overturned a 1-3 deficit to defeat Italy’s third seed Nicole ARLIA 4-3 (8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-3).
The Slovenian had never faced ARLIA before and entered the match without knowing what to expect.
“It was the first time we played against each other, so I didn’t know much about her game. I just tried my best and I think I did a good job.”
Trailing by two games, TOKIC adjusted her tactics and relied on patience and mental strength to complete the turnaround.
“I started to play a little softer and focused on putting the ball on the table so she could make mistakes. I think I was mentally very strong in this match and that helped me win.”
The victory guarantees TOKIC her first European Under 21 Singles medal and her third medal of the championships.
“I’m very surprised. It’s my first medal in singles, so I’m very happy. I’m also happy with the doubles and mixed doubles. To win three medals at this tournament makes me very proud.”
The final semifinal place went to Poland’s Zuzanna WIELGOS, who defeated France’s fourth seed Leana HOCHART 4-1 (5-11, 16-14, 11-6, 11-9, 11-4). After surviving a crucial second game, WIELGOS gradually took control of the encounter and booked her place in the last four.
NODIN, MEI ROSU, TOKIC and WIELGOS secured places on the medal rostrum and will return tomorrow to compete for a place in the Women’s Singles final.
Women’s Singles Quarterfinals
Natalia BOGDANOWICZ (Poland) – Bianca MEI ROSU (Romania) 0-4 (7-11, 10-12, 4-11, 6-11)
Anna HURSEY (Wales) – Alexia NODIN (France) 1-4 (6-11, 5-11, 6-11, 11-7, 5-11)
Sara TOKIC (Slovenia) – Nicole ARLIA (Italy) 4-3 (8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 5-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-3)
Leana HOCHART (France) – Zuzanna WIELGOS (Poland) 1-4 (11-5, 14-16, 6-11, 9-11, 4-11)
PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU
