Croatian tennis star Donna Vekić has opened up about her remarkable journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she defied expectations to win a silver medal in the women’s singles event. In a candid interview, Vekić admitted that even she was shocked by her deep run in the tournament, calling it one of the most surreal moments of her career.
“I think everyone was just as surprised as I was that I won a medal,” Vekić said with a laugh. “Going into the Olympics, I wasn’t even thinking about the podium. My main goal was just to compete at my best, and somehow, everything fell into place.”
Vekić entered the tournament as an underdog, facing a challenging draw that included some of the biggest names in women’s tennis. However, she displayed incredible resilience, defeating top-ranked opponents in thrilling matches. Her journey to the final was highlighted by a stunning semifinal victory over a Grand Slam champion, where she saved multiple match points before turning the tide in her favor.
In the final, Vekić faced a fierce battle against one of the sport’s top-ranked players. Despite putting up a valiant fight, she ultimately had to settle for silver. However, the moment was nothing short of historic for Croatian tennis, as she became the first Croatian female player to reach an Olympic singles final.
“The experience of standing on that podium with the Croatian flag was unforgettable,” she recalled. “It was the most emotional moment of my career. I hope this inspires more young athletes back home to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.”
Vekić’s unexpected Olympic success has propelled her into the spotlight, and she now has her sights set on more major victories in the future, including the upcoming Grand Slams.
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