“I’m Not Going to Hide” – Tsvetana Pironkova After Beating Garbine Muguruza at US Open 2020

Spanish tennis professional Garbine Muguruza was ousted in the second round of the US Open 2020. She faced Tsvetana Pironkova who returned to professional tennis after three years that included a long hiatus induced by maternity.

Muguruza defeated Nao Hibino in the first round in straight sets. Facing Pironkova, she was the favorite to go through. However, the Bulgarian pulled off a major upset by defeating Muguruza in straight sets of 7-5, 6-3.

Addressing the press, Pironkova differentiated between the two matches she played in the Grand Slam this year.

“It’s just great to be playing without that extra pressure I had on myself before. Before it was like almost life and death to win a match but right now it’s not really like that. Before all, it’s enjoyment to be on court,” she said.

Pironkova was all in praise for her opponent. Garbine Muguruza is a world-class player, and to defeat her, one needs to be consistent.

“It was very difficult to get into the match. She was swinging pretty well. It took me time to adjust my game. I was just trying to be there and put the ball in the court. Little by little, I found my rhythm and I started swinging well. I’m very, very happy I won this match,” Pironkova explained.

The results have been shocking for her as well. Two Grand Slam match wins after three years of break is surely a fairy tale ride. The second-round match is even special as it was a major upset and even Pironkova never anticipated such a result.

“I’m not going to hide, I didn’t expect my first tournament to be so good and to play so well. It’s welcome! That’s why I came back, for these matches and these stages.”

US Open definitely holds a number of professional players who have had the joy of becoming a parent and then resuming their professional duties. Addressing the scenario, the Bulgarian believes that willpower is the driving force towards being successful.

“It’s definitely really nice to see more and more moms every year. Once you become a mother you don’t magically lose your ability to play. If you want to do it I don’t think there’s something that can stop you from doing it.

Her best result in the US Open has been the 4th round exit in 2012. Almost a decade later, the experienced Pironkova would be looking forward to going beyond the 4th round.

She has been the semi-finalist at Wimbledon Championships in 2010. Therefore, she holds the ability to go for the Championship as well. However, returning to the court after a long time, racquet rust would be the only factor weighing her down.

Nonetheless, if she wishes to ‘push’ herself, she might go all the way.