World No. 52 Veronika Kudermetova shared her thoughts after defeating her younger sister Polina Kudermetova 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Madrid tournament.
Speaking after the match, Veronika said:
“It`s very difficult when the person closest to you in life is on the other side of the net. Of course, in tennis you don`t choose who you play, but it`s truly very difficult. I don`t even know how to describe these emotions; I wouldn`t wish it on anyone.”
Regarding the moment at the net where Polina appeared to comfort her, Veronika explained:
“I`m just a very family-oriented person, and she is my closest relative. And coming out to play against her like that… it`s very tough. If you don`t have a brother or sister, especially on the Tour, it`s hard to understand. I think very few people will understand.”
When asked about their close rankings and Polina recently surpassing her, Veronika stated:
“I`m not competing with her; I`m a family person again. Of course, I`d like to return to those ranking spots myself, to the Top 10. But that depends on my own work; everyone has their own achievements and merits.”
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton