The IWT Latvian Open is a tournament that Zuzana Severinova will remember for a very long time.
Not only did the Czech Star win her first ever Women’s A Singles title, but she also went on to complete the Triple Crown in Riga – the first of her career.
This is the icing on the cake for Zuzana Severinova, who has had a superb year. After beginning the year ranked World No.7, she has climbed to No.3 thanks to four finals in her five 2019 tournaments.
The IWT Latvian Open title will see her rise to World No.2, with just Christine Seehofer ahead of her. She already lead the 2019 FIR World Tour Race at the start of July and will extend that lead at the end of the month.
Her win also catapulted her to the top of the Victor Racketlon Series standings, leaving her in a great position after two of the three events.
While it was a first elite singles title of the year, it was not her first trophy. Severinova has been building quite the collection on the doubles circuit, with three Women’s Doubles and three Mixed Doubles titles to her name.
We caught up with Zuzana Severinova after the IWT Latvian Open.
Congratulations on your victory – how does it feel to be a Racketlon World Tour Singles Champion?
It feels great. I really like the venue here in Riga.
You’ve been runner-up a number of times in the past but never won a title. Did that make you nervous before the final against Anna-Klara Ahlmer?
To be honest, I was sure I had won a title before. It might have been because I already won some doubles or a B draw – which was a huge achievement for me. I found out it was my first one when I saw an FIR post on Facebook the day after.
You won the title before tennis, winning all three sports – which of the three sports was your most important victory and why?
I definitely didn’t expect to win table tennis. That gave me a lot of confidence right from the beginning of the match.
It was a perfect weekend for you, completing the Triple Crown by winning the Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. How pleased are you with your performance over the weekend?
I’m very pleased. I didn’t really have high hopes for this tournament since I took almost a month break after playing five categories at the King of Rackets.
Your squash and tennis results have been superb this year – what training have you done to work on these sports in particular?
I’ve been playing a lot of tennis with a former world racketlon junior champion – Mikkel Bodzioch. On the other hand, I don’t really practice squash that much but when I do, I try to focus even more on my weaknesses.
In terms of rankings and results it feels like it’s been a breakthrough year for you. How do you access your year so far?
I’m very happy with how this year’s going so far. And a big thank you goes to the Czech Racketlon Federation which makes some of my trips possible.
Did you have any goals at the start of the season and, if so, what were they?
The main goal was to enjoy every single tournament because I knew I would play more events than I’ve ever played in the past few years.
Have those goals changed now as we enter the second half of the season?
No, not really. Well, maybe one. Since I climbed up the rankings I hope to get a good draw at the World Singles Championships.
What tournaments do you plan on playing before the end of the year?
I’m playing the German Open, London Open, Austrian Open, hopefully the Malta Open and the World Championships in Germany.
The report from Finals Day at the IWT Latvian Open – including Zuzana Severinova’s title – is available here.
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Sam Barker / FIR Media Officer
Image Credit / Galdatennis.lv