It’s difficult to make friends in sport, says 16-year-old tennis player Korneeva

Russian tennis player Alina Korneeva who reached the second round of the Australian Open, said it was difficult to find true friends in the sport.

In the first round of the Australian Open, 16-year-old Korneeva defeated Spaniard Sara Sorribes-Tormo with a score of 4:6, 6:3, 6:2. For the Russian, it was the first main draw match of a Grand Slam tournament.

— Have you become friends with any older players in your short time on the senior circuit?

“I can’t say we became friends.” I think it’s very difficult to make friends in sport. But I know someone, that’s all. I’m not a girlfriend, I think I’m doing sports.

— How did you mentally prepare for the main draw match?

— I think it’s the same as for the other matches. Of course, my whole family, my team told me that, like every game, I just need to have fun, because, like I said, I’m only 16 and I shouldn’t not win this match at all costs. I just need to show my best side.

— You are on good terms with Mirra Andreeva. Have you talked to him about playing your first main draw match?

– No, I’m focused on myself. We didn’t see each other here often, because she trains a lot, and I also have training and matches. I’m just trying to be with my team.

Differences between junior and senior tennis? Of course, they are very different. It all starts with psychology. Sometimes tennis itself is not so important, the moral component comes to the fore.

I think I don’t feel pressure now when I play a Grand Slam because I’m only 16 and experienced players feel the pressure more than me. That’s it,” Korneeva said at a press conference.

The Russian will play in the next round with the winner of the match between Linda Fruhvirtova (Czech Republic) and Beatriz Haddad-Maia (Brazil, 10th seed).