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Anna Mikhalkova: The best return on court
Date: 10/21/2020 1:22 PM
Published by : Emilie Sommer (BEC)

Last week the Denmark Open 2020 took place in Odense, Denmark. As many of the Asian countries were not able to come to Denmark to play, a lot of upcoming European talents got the chance to play against some of Europe’s current top players. 


One player who got the chance to play, was Anna Mikhalkova from Ukraine. Ranked as number 363 on the World Ranking, the Super 750 tournament is not normally an event that she would be able to enter, but with the many withdrawals, Mikhalkova was suddenly in the tournament. 


- It was just so cool! At some point, I stopped believing I would play Denmark Open and when I got the confirmation that I was in I was just so happy, Mikhalkova said. 


It is already a week since Mikhalkova played her match against Julie Dawall Jakobsen from Denmark. Looking back at the tournament and talking about her best memories from it, she said. 


- My match and also the preparation before. I was looking forward to getting on court and playing. But walking on court as a top player, playing my match in that amazing arena and the feelings during the match are definitely my favourite memories! 


Read: The groups have been drawn


Proud representing Ukraine


Denmark Open 2020 was the first big international tournament to be played since All England in March. Many players were thrilled to be back on court, but some were still afraid to travel due to the pandemic. Talking about how it was to play a tournament during COVID-19 times, Mikhalkova said.  


- I think organisers have done a good job to protect players - I felt really safe, but also isolated from the whole world. It was a very unusual feeling comparing to regular tournaments. 

 

Not being on the court for seven months makes it very special to finally be back on the big stage and even with some of the biggest stars. 


- It was the best return on court I could wish for. It was just an amazing feeling and an unbelievable thing for me. I didn’t want to put pressure on myself because of that but was inspired to reach the best level I could. Playing at the same tournament as some of the best players in the world is such a great and significant experience for me. I felt so proud of representing Ukraine at one of the most prestigious international tournaments, Mikhalkova ended. 


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