The draw came out on Thursday and I did not sleep much. My first match was at nine in the morning, which is the one time of day I actually like playing — the court is still cool and nobody is watching.
I won the first set without thinking about it. That is usually the problem: when I stop thinking I stop moving my feet, and by the middle of the second set I was standing still and hitting with my arm.
At 5–5 I told myself one thing: watch the ball until it hits the strings. Nothing else.
The tie-break went to 7–5. I served two doubles and then hit the best backhand of my life, and I still cannot tell you which one I will remember longer.
What did your coach say afterwards?
That I won the match with my legs, not my forehand. Then he made me run anyway.
Next tournament?
Novi Sad, in three weeks. Clay again, which suits me.