Two thrilling semifinal encounters determined the finalists in the Women’s Doubles event at the ROMSTAL European Under 21 Championships in Cluj-Napoca.
Veronika MATIUNINA of Ukraine and Bianca MEI ROSU of Romania secured their place in the title match by overcoming Alexandra CHIRIACOVA of Moldova and Sara TOKIC of Slovenia 3-2 (6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10) in a dramatic contest that went down to the very last points.
After the match, both players highlighted their teamwork and mutual support as the key factors behind their success.
“It was important that we fought until the end and supported each other,” said MATIUNINA. “We were leading, lost a game, but managed to win.”
MEI ROSU echoed her partner’s thoughts.
“I felt like we were really balanced today. We were good as a team and helped each other. That is the best thing about our partnership.”
Throughout the match, the pair relied on constant encouragement to overcome difficult moments.
“We say short, positive words to each other, like ‘It’s okay, it’s only one point, let’s continue’,” explained MATIUNINA.
“This helps us continue with confidence,” added MEI ROSU.
The Ukrainian-Romanian combination also believes the partnership has a promising future.
“We can also play together next year. It is good that we are in the final. It gives us confidence for the future and maybe for other international events as well,” said MATIUNINA.
The second semifinal proved equally dramatic, with Poland’s Anna BRZYSKA and Zuzanna WIELGOS defeating France’s Leana HOCHART and Elise PUJOL 3-2 (7-11, 11-4, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7).
“It was a very difficult match,” said BRZYSKA. “We were leading 2-1 and 3-0, but they changed their receive and started playing very well. The decider was really close, so we are very happy to win.”
According to the Polish pair, the service and receive battle played a decisive role.
“The key moment was having good receive and good service. It was really important not to give our opponents an easy ball.”
Although they had never faced the French duo together before, BRZYSKA and WIELGOS were aware of the challenge awaiting them.
“We knew both players were very strong. We had played against them in singles, but never in doubles.”
When the match became tense, experience helped the Polish pair hold their nerve.
“We have had a lot of close matches before. We know we must stay calm, stick to the tactics and play our best.”
Women’s Doubles Semifinals
Veronika MATIUNINA (Ukraine), Bianca MEI ROSU (Romania) – Alexandra CHIRIACOVA (Moldova), Sara TOKIC (Slovenia) 3-2 (6-11, 11-5, 11-4, 8-11, 12-10)
Anna BRZYSKA, Zuzanna WIELGOS (Poland) – Leana HOCHART, Elise PUJOL (France) (7-11, 11-4, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7)
PHOTO by: Mihaela-Ionela BOBAR and Simion Sebastian TĂTARU
