Donna Vekic Interview: "I wish to get inside the top 50 by the end of the year"
Donna Vekic is a 16-year-old player from Croatia, considered by many as a potential future star on the WTA tour.
Vekic made a big splash last year when she reached the finals in Tashkent. She confirmed she was on track to fulfilling her promise when she took out a bunch of stars at the Aegon Classic in the Birmingham.
Vekic reached the finals in Birmingham before losing to Daniela Hantuchova in a close contest. Under the tutelage of David Felgate, the golden girl of tennis is working hard to ensure that she stays on track to realize her potential and attain success on the demanding professional circuit.
Vekic has now reached a career high-ranking of No. 64. In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda last week, Vekic spoke on a variety of topics.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation:
SK: First up, please tell us a little about the start of your tennis journey.
DV: I started playing at the age of 5 in my home town when my father gave me a tennis racket to play with.
What are your strengths as a tennis player?
I believe I have a strong and solid serve that gets me out of trouble sometimes.
Besides the serve, your forehand is believed to be really good as well. What do you think are the other strengths in your game?
Mental toughness.
Tell us about the areas where you are working to improve your game?
I am working on my footwork, movement and general composure on court.
Who are the biggest influences on your game and life?
My parents, of course. They have been always there for me and have sacrificed a great deal for me. My coach David Felgate, who has worked with me for 5 years, and Chris Evert who has mentored me for many years.
Who did you admire most when you were growing up as a tennis player?
Chris (Vekic calls her Chrissie) Evert and Maria Sharapova.
What is your coaching set-up like?
I am coached by David Felgate and have been learning with him for almost 6 years now.
This is your second WTA tour final in less than a year. How is the sudden attention and fame affecting your regular routines and your focus on the game?
No, not really. I have a great team around me and nothing changes. We continue to move forward one step at a time.
Please tell us a little about how you manage your life between London and Osijek.
It is not that easy but we travel as much as any other tennis player. Travel is a normal part of our professional life.
What is your arrangement with David Felgate? Is it full-time or more advisory in nature, with him supporting you from time to time?
David is my full-time coach.
What are you studying at school? How long do you plan to continue?
I’m doing distance learning but I go back home to finish my exams – I will do this till I turn 18.
What are your goals for this year?
I wish to get inside the top 50 by the end of the year.
What is your daily routine, when you are not at a tournament?
I like seeing my friends after practice and go to music concerts.
Can you discuss a little about your planned schedule after Wimbledon?
Unfortunately, we haven’t decided that yet.