SLOVE & STEADY
Zidansek first woman from Slovenia to reach Slam semis
Paris, June 8: Tamara Zidansek’s breakout display at the French Open is the latest in a long line of outstanding sporting accomplishments by athletes from Slovenia, an Alpine nation of just over two million people.
The world number 85 became the first woman representing the country to reach the semi-finals of a Grand Slam on Tuesday when she battled to beat Spain’s Paula Badosa 7-5, 4-6, 8-6.
She will play Russian 31st seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova for a place in Saturday’s final, and a chance to emulate Maribor-born Mima Jausovec, who won Roland Garros in 1977 while competing for Yugoslavia.
With just three wins from eight previous Slam appearances, Zidansek arrived in Paris a virtual unknown, but she could soon join household names such as Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic and Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar.
“It feels overwhelming. It’s hard to take it in like this fast,” said a beaming Zidansek following her quarter-final win.
“Winning the first round was a big breakthrough for me. I got a lot of confidence from that,” she added.
PAVLYUCHENKOVA IN AFTER 52 ATTEMPTS
Pavlyuchenkova reached her first Grand Slam semifinal at the 52nd attempt on Tuesday with a three-set win over doubles partner Elena Rybakina at the French Open.
“There are so many emotions to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time,” said 29year-old Pavlyunchenkova who had fallen at the quarter-final stage at the majors on six previous occasions since her 2007 debut.