WTA Montreal: The Amazing Story of Rebecca Marino
Rebecca Marino provided the first exclamation point of the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal with her opening win over Madison Keys - even though the Canadian had ended her career eight years ago.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Aug 10, 2021, 03:01 pm
The comebacks in tennis are among the most beautiful and at the same time most memorable stories that one can only imagine: Who does not remember Rafael Nadal's return in the 2013 season or Roger Federer's triumphant run four years later?
But the women don't have to hide either, if you think of Kim Clijsters or Ashleigh Barty, for example. Such a crazy story, like the one Rebecca Marino experienced, is unparalleled across all sports.
Depression, self-doubt and a stroke of fate
The Canadian had originally declared her career over in 2013 because the public pressure of negative comments on social networks was too great. What followed was for the former world number 38. a time of depression and self-doubt. It was a good decision to hang up the bat, says Marino today.
Five years later, she returned to the tour, but success initially remained due to injuries and a stroke of fate - Marino's father died of cancer in 2020. But Marino did not give up, won the ITF tournament in Evansville that year and was probably rewarded with a wildcard for the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal for that reason.
And as it can only happen in sport, the local hero beat a former Grand Slam finalist in the first round with Madison Keys (6: 3 and 6: 3). "I'm really happy that I took this opportunity and won this match," said Marino after the game.
But just fighting the encounter against Keys was already a success for the 30-year-old: "Today I am an independent person, especially mentally. I now know how to take care of my mental health. You can only be on the court, when you're really ready. "
Marino now against Badosa
"This win means a lot to me. It has been a long journey so far, not only because of the end of my career, but also because of a serious injury I had in 2019," Marino alluded to her long-standing foot problems. The tournament in Montreal is a good opportunity to get closer to the level of the top female players.
This opportunity becomes the world rankings 220. also got in the second round against Paula Badosa. "I'll have to go on the court with the same mentality as I did today," said Marino after her opening win. And who knows, maybe the Canadian can add another chapter to her amazing story in Montreal.