"We forget where we came from": Anastasia Potapova calls out players complaining about Tour conditions
WTA
Anastasia Potapova addressed the constant complaints from some players about the tight schedule, balls, changes in surfaces, and umpires, which she described as "soft and spoiled." The world No. 32 reflected on the challenges that come with life as a professional tennis player.
The 23-year-old Russian had a solid run at the WTA 500 Linz Open, reaching the quarter-finals before falling to first seed Karolina Muchova 3-6, 6-3, 3-6. Potapova will now compete at the Transylvania Open starting Monday, where she is the top seed.
In a recent interview with Russian journalist Sofya Tartakova, Potapova commented on the complaints from some ATP and WTA Tour players about adverse conditions such as the balls, surfaces, and umpires, downplaying their concerns.
"I think that some players have become too soft and spoiled. There are things that make the tour more difficult, but on the other hand… I also had moments when I wasn’t happy with my life when I felt like I couldn’t stay on tour anymore."
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"But then you remember where you started. And you’re like, ‘Yeah… my life is wonderful.’ I think sometimes you forget where you came from. We really live in our own world, and it really is tough at times. But any professional sport is tough. It requires a lot of work, sacrifice… it’s a lot of pressure. Both mental and physical, it’s tough. But that’s not the worst life a person can have."
"I think at some point you need to know how to stop, look around you, and remember how things used to be, see how things are now and what they could be in the future, and simply thank destiny for where you are now," she concluded.
Potapova will make her Transylvania Open debut on Tuesday in Romania, facing Julia Grabher.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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