Women’s Teams Event quarterfinal at the European Games 2019 in Minsk
Romania had a special supporter at the stands; Legendary Nadia COMANECI visited Tennis Olympic Center in Minsk and watch Romania’s match against Sweden 3:1. Daniela DODEAN and Elizabeta SAMARA commenced good and won the opening match against Filippa BERGRAND and Matilda EKHOLM. Bernadette SZOCS showed no mercy against Linda BERGSTROM but SAMARA suffered by the hands of Matida EKHOLM.
“Our tactics was to win the opening doubles match and count on Bernadette in both singles. My match against Matilda was very open. It is difficult for me to play against lefthanders and especially difficult to play against Matilda. However when we won the double we were not under pressure. We were sure Bernie will be successful ” said Elizabeta SAMARA.” I am very proud that Nadia COMANECI came to see us. It is great honor.”
Hungary overcame Ukraine in straight matches. Szandra PERGEL and Dora MADARASZ beat Tetyana BILENKO and Hanna GAPONOVA in doubles whilst Georgina POTA and MADARASZ prevailed against Margaryta PESOTSKA and GAPONOVA in singles.
“It is my first match here and I was nervous. Victory in doubles helped me boost my confidence. In addition when I entered the arena to play singles it was much easier because it was 2-0 already. It is hard to play against GAPONOVA. I lost against her at the World Championships but it was valuable lesson. I did not rush this time. I put more power to my first spin. She managed to adapt but it was too late ” saide MADARASZ.
Poland overcame Austria 3-1. Natalia BAJOR and Natalia PARTYKA overcame LIU Jia and Amelie SOLJA in doubles. LI Qian beat Sofia POLCANOVA who also suffered by the hands of BAJOR. LIU Jia was the only to score in the match against PARTYKA.
Germany overcame Netherlands 3-1. Britt EERLAND overcame Petrissa SOLJA to gain the only point for Dutch team. Nina MITTLEHAM and SOLJA overcame Kim VERMAAS and EERLAND in the doubles whilst HAN Ying was at the top of the game against LI Jie and VERMAAS.
“I feel much better then in Singles Event. I am happy with my performance but we all worry about the condition of Petrissa’s injury. She has problem with her elbow ” said HAN.
