“We signed up 15 minutes early” | Relief
There are only two and a half months left until the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The team is raising the temperature in terms of the number of medals that Spain can receive.The goal is to surpass the 22 metals of the Barcelona 92 tournament and, according to experts, there are reasons for optimism. This Sunday, Caja Mágica suddenly introduced a new option that no one expected..
The Mutua Madrid Open took place this Sunday. women’s doubles final, in which the Spanish team was crowned Sarah Sorribes and Kristina Buksa defeating with a perfect score of 6-0 and 6-2 the Czech Barbora Krejcikova, a legend in her field – a former numbered and multiple Grand Slam champion – and the German Laura Siegemund. Not only is this the first title for the Sorribes-Buca pairing, but they have never played together before.
In fact, Sorribes, who landed in Madrid two weeks ago, signed up for the doubles draw with Czech Maria Bouzkova, her usual partner. However, the injury of her teammate and friend opened the door for Sorribes and Buxa to play together. Why not? Five games and five wins later, they became Mutua Madrid Open champions.
“When Marie called me and said she couldn’t, I went to the gym and met Christina’s father. I asked him if they had anyone else in doubles and if he wanted to sign up with me. “Yes, yes, yes,” he said. We went to the office and made an appointment 15 minutes early.“, Sorribes said during the post-title press conference.
Games are a taboo topic
After overcoming a difficult first round – Buksa played a three-hour individual match that day – everything fell into place perfectly. “I always knew that Christina was a great player, she was incredibly talented. and has feeling with an exciting ball,” Sorribes, No. 27 in doubles and No. 55 in singles, said a few days ago. “Sarah has always been a player who works hard on the court and has always been a stumbling block. And he plays volleyball very well. Our playing style adapts to each other,” added Buksa, ranked 39th in the WTA in singles and 79th in doubles.
Sorribes played doubles at the Tokyo 2020 Games with Paula Badosa, with whom she reached the second round. At the moment, it is unknown how the pairings for Paris 2024 will be formed. There are 32 pairs in the pairs table, and each country can have a maximum of two. For now, Sorribes and Buxa will be locked in for the rankings, with Badosa’s options unclear given his poor run of results and injuries.
“I would love to play with Sarah. I believe it is possible and I always believe that great things and big dreams can be achieved. If we’re healthy, we’ll make a great team.“, says Buxa. On the other hand, Sorribes’ legs and voice tremble when he starts thinking about the Olympic Games. “Gaming is what I want so much, it’s a taboo subject. I don’t talk about this with anyone, neither in singles nor in doubles. “I get goosebumps and it really takes away my energy.”