“Can Help Me Achieve My Goals”: Donna Vekic on Alliance with Garbine Muguruza’s Ex Coach

The Croatian tennis player Donna Vekic has moved on from Coach Torben Beltz to Sam Sumyk. With this new collaboration, the World No. 32 aims to jump up the ranks in the next season. Considering the Frenchman’s experience as a coach, the odds are in favor of the 24-year-old Croatian.

Prior to Donna, Sumyk has coached Vera Zvonareva, Victoria Azarenka, Garbine Muguruza, Eugenie Bouchard, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. His most successful partnership came with Azarenka; their achievements include four Grand Slams, a World No. 1 spot, and two US Open finals. Azarenka also won the 2012 Olympic singles bronze medal and doubles gold medal.

Sumyk and Muguruza also made for a great duo as she won two Grand Slams – the 2016 French Open and the 2017 Wimbledon Championships. The Spanish-Venezuelan professional player also held the top rank as Sam’s apprentice.

“We will cooperate successfully”: Donna Vekic on new coach Sam Sumyk

Since Sam Sumyk joined Team Donna, they have failed to get any good results from their three tournaments together. However, the Croatian player is confident that success will come with time.

While speaking about her new coach, Donna opened up on the losses and their future aspirations. She said, “(On her three tournament loss) As a result, this cooperation looks bad. But he is actually very good. We immediately found a common language in the field and I believe that we will cooperate successfully and that the results will confirm this. Sam has a lot of experience and I believe he can help me progress and achieve my goals. He has already done this with several players.”

(Quotes have been translated)

Regaining a place in the Top 20 that Donna lost in the 2020 season will be her and her coach’s top priority. For that, they will be focused to make a long run in the upcoming 2021 Australian Open. On that subject, there is no confirmed date as to when the first major tournament of the year will commence.

Next appearance for Donna: Australian Open

The Round of 32 exit at the Ostrava Open 2020 in late October concluded Donna’s season this year. Now, after a sufficiently long-break, the 24-year-old Croatian will try her luck in Melbourne Park.

However, the revelation of the dates for Australia will define the calendar of the tennis players. Similar to many players and fans, Donna too might be waiting for final news from Australia.

Read More: The Impact of the Delay of the Australian Open on the ATP and WTA Calendar

With all the uncertainties revolving around the pandemic outbreak, Donna is certainly very happy with her new coach. Additionally, Sam will also look to fulfill the goals of the young and promising Croatian player.

Also Read: Australian Open 2021 Qualifiers To Be Reportedly Held Outside the Country