Quarterfinalist Valentová: I had goosebumps! An incredibly tough match

23rd July 2025

A win over the second seed and a 99% chance of breaking into the WTA Top 100 — all of this happening at her home tournament in Prague. Tereza Valentová took another important step in her rising career on Wednesday, grinding out a 7–6(1), 7–5 victory over Slovakia's Rebecca Šramková in the round of 16 at Livesport Prague Open 2025.

"It was an extremely tough match, Rebecca played really well. I’m glad I managed to adapt to the conditions: Playing in that type of wind wasn’t exactly pleasant, but it was tough for both of us. I was nervous, I wanted to win so badly," shared an emotional but thrilled Valentová.

The wind clearly played a major role in the match, evidenced by an unuaul moment late in the second set: at 5–5 and 15–30, Šramková completely missed her first serve, with the ball landing beside her.

"That can happen — it was so windy. I’m just glad it didn’t happen to me," the Czech joked, "I thought she would go safer on the second serve, so I went for it. I was already thinking ahead."

Valentová also credited all the passionate fans who once again showed up in numbers.

"They were amazing — I absolutely loved them! They really pushed us on, especially me. I want to thank them so much and I hope they come again," said the TK Sparta Prague player.

In the current live rankings, Valentová is in 97th place, which means she is almost certain to enter the WTA Top 100 for the first time on Monday. "That’s amazing, just unreal. That’s the biggest milestone of my career so far," she reacted.

She’ll have the chance to add more valuable ranking points in Thursday’s quarterfinal against France’s Jessika Ponchet, who reached the main draw as the lucky loser from qualifying.

"Every day is different. Jessika is very solid — I know her a little. I just want to enjoy the match and take it all in, fight for every point and play my best tennis. Hopefully, it will all work out," ended Valentová.

Photo: Livesport Prague Open / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports