Overwhelming Emotions: Kudermetova Sisters Hold Back Tears in Their Maiden Clash

Veronika Kudermetova fought back tears as she embraced her sister, Polina, at the net following their encounter at the Madrid Open.

The 27-year-old secured a commanding straight-sets victory, progressing to the tournament’s second round, but sadly, it came at the cost of her sister’s aspirations.

This match marked the first time the Russian sisters had faced off in professional tennis, with both players experiencing a mix of emotional and physical challenges.

Veronika’s superior experience shone through, as she made light work of Polina, finishing with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-2.

Veronika, ranked as high as No.9 in the world, showcased superior statistics in both her serves and returns, successfully breaking her sister six times throughout the match.

Polina immediately turned to the net, arms wide open, after missing her sister’s fierce match point, ready to embrace Veronika.

However, the emotional weight proved overwhelming for the current world No.19, as she held her head in her hands and wiped away tears.

“I had an immense wave of emotions during and after the match,” Veronika shared in a post-match interview with Championat. “Playing against someone so close to you, whom you support unconditionally, is incredibly challenging. We’ve been on this journey together since childhood, and I wouldn’t wish such feelings upon anyone else.”

Veronika will next take on current world No.9 Paula Badosa in the second round of singles, scheduled for Friday (AEST).

Before that, she is set to compete on Thursday night (AEST) in the first round of the women’s doubles, partnering with Belgium’s Elise Mertens. The duo will face Aldila Sutijadi from Indonesia and Japan’s Miyu Kato.