“Bethanie was happy, and the girls played a great match,” says Šafářová

The return of popular duo “Bucie” didn’t end on a winning note, but regardless, Lucie Šafářová and Bethanie Mattek-Sands really enjoyed the doubles final of this year’s Livesport Prague Open. The Czech-American pair may have lost out on the title to Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková in a 3-6 3-6 match, but proved they still have what it takes on the courts – even after a six-year pause in playing doubles together.

It couldn’t have been a better game for Czech fans as the centre court of the tournament played in Sparta Prague’s tennis complex hosted four Grand Slam champions – three of them from Czechia. Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková lived up to their role as favourites going into the match but Lucie Šafářová and Bethanie Mattek-Sands were happy with their tournament and performances despite the loss.

How did you enjoy the final of this year’s Livesport Prague Open?
“It was a great match; the atmosphere was spectacular. Despite the 3-6 3-6 result, it was an even match, but it goes without saying that Barbora and Kateřina are currently the best in the world. I’m happy that we had such a good run at this tournament,” responded Lucie Šafářová. 

It was an emotional ceremony for you. What did you feel?
“I just felt nostalgic. We’ve played a lot together, lived through a lot, now we’re here six years since we last played doubles together with my two children watching. It was all just really emotional.” 

The atmosphere of the match was incredible. It’s not often you get a crowd of over 2,000 fans for a doubles final – even at Grand Slam tournaments…
“Bethanie was so happy. I told her that she has a lot of fans in Czechia and she really felt it. All she said was: Wow, people really love tennis here! I’m glad each game had such a great atmosphere.”

What are your thoughts on the K+S duo who beat you in the final and are now focused on the Olympics?
“The girls play amazing tennis. Kateřina won two Grand Slams – with two different partners by the way – which is just incredible. Barbora is also an amazing doubles player and is a Wimbledon champion. They’re both in great form and I hope they win gold!” 

Is it still the case that this will be your last tournament playing with Bethanie?
“We don’t have any future plans for more tournaments. Travelling with children is really hard, but never say never. There’s definitely going to be a break for now though.”

What are your plans for the rest of summer?
“Travelling! We’ll be travelling across America in a caravan with our children. We have a route of about 3,000 kilometres so it’s going to be one hell of a trip. We enjoy challenges so this will be just another.”

Livesport Prague Open 2024 (women, CZE, 267 082 USD, clay)
Doubles final
KREJČÍKOVÁ, SINIAKOVÁ – Mattek-Sands (USA), Šafářová 6:3, 6:3

Photo: Livesport Prague Open / Pavel Lebeda (sport-pics.cz)

Author: eSports

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