German tennis veteran Laura Siegemund, at 37, has surprised many by reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals, showcasing a unique game and a fearless attitude.
Defying Age on the Grass Courts
Wimbledon is buzzing about 37-year-old Laura Siegemund, who made it to the women’s singles quarterfinals. The German veteran defeated Solana Sierra 6-3, 6-2 in a match that highlighted her tricky and unconventional playing style.
Siegemund, already a three-time Grand Slam champion in doubles, captivated the crowd with her smart net play and delightful angled passing shots. She jokingly embraced the “old” compliment, proving that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level.
Psychology Degree? “Worth Absolutely Nothing”
With a degree in psychology, many wondered if her academic background gave her an edge in high-pressure moments. However, Siegemund quickly shut down that idea, much to the amusement of the Centre Court crowd.
“A psychology degree in this kind of moment… it’s worth absolutely nothing,” she quipped. She emphasized that knowing something and being able to perform are two entirely different things in professional sports.
Mentally Tough and Unfazed by Big Names
Despite downplaying her degree, Siegemund admits she’s always been mentally tough. She identifies as a fighter who focuses on staying in the moment and letting go of “greed” to win, understanding that accepting losses can pave the way for victories.
Looking ahead to her match against Aryna Sabalenka, Siegemund confidently stated that reputations don’t faze her. “I have this game and this maybe boldness… to take out big names,” she said. “Just maybe because I don’t care who is on the other side. In a positive, respectful way I don’t care.”
An Unconventional Game and Consistent “Weirdness”
Siegemund’s game is as unique as her personality. While she’s known for deep passing shots and an impressive first-serve percentage (89% against Sierra), she’s also had a few run-ins with opponents over her pace of play.
She openly acknowledges that she’s “slow” and often incurs time violations, which can annoy her opponents. However, she views it as consistent “weirdness” that’s simply part of who she is, not an attempt to disturb others.
Sabalenka’s Strategic Approach
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, her next opponent, addressed Siegemund’s style directly. Sabalenka stated her plan is to remain unfazed by Siegemund’s tricky tactics, focusing instead on her own game.
“I played against a lot of tricky players who is doing all of those slice shots, approaching the net, going for lobs,” Sabalenka explained. “Mentally I know how to approach these players. My focus going to be on myself.”
- Laura Siegemund, 37, made her first Wimbledon quarterfinal, defeating Solana Sierra.
- She humorously dismissed the impact of her psychology degree on her on-court performance.
- Siegemund is mentally tough and isn’t intimidated by top-ranked opponents.
- Her unconventional game and deliberate pace have led to past controversies.
- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka plans to remain focused on her own game when facing Siegemund.
As Siegemund continues her surprising run, her fearless attitude and distinct playing style promise more intriguing matches ahead.
