Kudermetova credits fighting spirit for victory over Keys in Paris

Despite dropping the first set in lop-sided fashion, Veronika Kudermetova rallied back to defeat Madison Keys in their round of 16 Roland Garros encounter, and she believes her fighting spirit and belief allowed her to escape with the victory.

Kudermetova pulled off a 1-6 6-3 6-1 win over her opponent, displaying her consistency during the final two sets as she booked her spot in the quarterfinals.

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Although Keys employed her power from the baseline to dominate the opening set, Kudermetova remained composed as she fought back, neutralizing the American's power with strategic shot placement and consistency.

“I tried to trust myself. I tried to believe. I tried to fight, I think that was the key,” Kudermetova said. “Sometimes to keep playing harder or sometimes to play with spin, a little bit smarter. I think I did a really good job today. It's amazing, it's amazing. I can say only this.”

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Furthermore, Kudermetova explained the juggling act of separating home and tennis life when married to her coach.

“So my coach is my husband… I have another coach and unfortunately he's not here, he's in the US now," she added. "We try to split life and tennis. Of course, when we're on the tennis court we speak about only tennis."

The World No.29 will face Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday for a spot in the French Open semifinals, as the 20th seed ousted Italian Camila Giorgi in straight sets in their fourth round encounter.