Croatian tennis star Donna Vekic is one of the current generations to watch out for. The 26-year-old was making slow and steady progress in her career. She also reached the quarterfinal of the 2019 US Open. However, Croatian was unable to carry forward the momentum and hasn’t got any significant success in the recent past.

In Wimbledon Championships 2022, the 26-year-old crashed out after a first-round defeat to Jessica Pegula of the US. In a bid to regain her peak performance, the Croatian has arrived at the Citi Open. Before starting her campaign, she engaged in an interview with former tennis Star Vijay Amritraj.

Donna Vekic on the challenges of playing amidst pandemic

When Amritraj asked the Croatian about her experience playing tennis in covid times, in the middle of restrictions and empty stadiums, the 26-year-old said “It felt like a nightmare. It was horrible. I could hear my coach’s breath so I was like, please, I need people.”

Further, the Croatian spoke about her country and its climate. “Croatia has amazing coasts, so if you guys haven’t been, you should definitely go. The weather is pretty amazing the food is great. And here I am sweating it out.” She added.

Read more: Donna Vekic Undergoes a Surgery After Australian Open 2021 Heroics, Vows to Return Soon

With the start of the American leg, the former world number 19 will look forward to regaining her momentum before the US Open.

Vekic through to the last 16 of the Citi Open

Vekic made a brilliant start to her campaign in the Citi Open as she got the better of Egyptian tennis star Mayar Sherif in straight sets.

The 26-year-old started well and took the first set 6-4. Further, she claimed the second set in a dominant fashion, dropping only one game. the final score read 6-4, 6-1.

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For the first time in her career, the Croatian will play in the round of 16. Her next opponent is Xiyu Wang from China. It will be the first time these two will play against each other. While Vekic is currently ranked number 86, her 21-year-old opponent holds a rank of number 95. She defeated German Tatjana Maria 6-2, 7-5 en route to her round of 16 clash.