Now she will make her Olympic debut on Saturday (12:00) against the number 15 seeded American Emma Navarro. “I’m not in top form and I’m not used to an opponent like Navarro at that level,” Grabher had to admit. Nevertheless, Austria’s current number two is extremely excited. “Roland Garros is my favorite place, I really enjoy coming there,” said Grabher, referring to the tournament’s venue at the other venue of the French Open.
“It’s unbelievable that the Olympic Games are here this year. I’m really excited.” In the past three weeks, she played three tournaments in preparation for them, in which she won her first three matches after her comeback, but missed the kit fitting and the swearing-in ceremony. “It’s a shame, but I had to make sure that I was as well prepared as possible in terms of sport and got a few matches in. I have to put the sport first,” explained the 28-year-old.
All clear after abandonment
She gave up her last match last Friday due to muscular problems in her hitting arm, but has since been given the all-clear. “I had two long matches of over two hours. I’m not used to the strain yet and didn’t want to risk anything before Paris that would make it worse and I would have to take a break for a few days,” said Grabher, explaining her withdrawal.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network/Kirby Lee On the big tennis stage in Roland Garros, Grabher has been making her comeback at the highest level for almost a year
In May she underwent another operation on her wrist because of an inflammation, but it was not a bone marrow edema. In any case, things have been improving since then. “Of course it’s not perfect yet, but it’s a process.” Being able to play in the Olympics via the “Protected Ranking” is a perfect opportunity.
“I did everything I could”
“I’ve done everything I could in the last few weeks – I’ve trained a lot, I’ve got a few matches. Of course, you can’t choose the time, but I’m in good spirits now and I’m extremely excited,” said Grabher before her opening match.
She knows that she is not in top form and will probably go into every match as an underdog. “Nevertheless, I hope to stay in the tournament as long as possible.” And that she can enjoy the Olympic atmosphere. “I don’t know what to expect,” Grabher told APA before arriving. “I think it’s really cool, the Olympics will be a new experience. The different sports are something we are not used to from tennis. I can only take positive things and positive experiences with me for the coming months.”
Unknown opponent for Grabher
There has not been a clash between Grabher and Navarro so far. “I have been away for almost twelve months, and she has shown the most in that year. She is a young player. I don’t know her well.” Studying videos has helped a little. “I expect a very tough match, I have nothing to lose. She is the clear favorite,” said the 28-year-old. Navarro is a very aggressive player, said Grabher. “If I get into the rallies, I have a very good chance. I have to concentrate on my game, use my weapons.”
2024-07-27 07:18:19
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