Eléonora Molinaro finished college in the USA this summer. The Luxembourger played her first professional match in over two years in Petingen on Tuesday in the first main round of the ITF Kyotec Open. She had a really tough draw with Frenchwoman Océane Dodin (WTA 110), who was in first place, and had to admit defeat 1:6, 2:6 after 1:07 hours.
Tageblatt: How do you look back on your first round match at the Kyotec Open?
Eléonora Molinaro: The lot was difficult. Trying to play a tournament at this level again after almost three years is also important. I’m not saying I wasn’t ready, but it’s just a different level than what I’ve been doing lately. I had nothing to lose and did what I could do. I managed to win three games because I played well and because my opponent also made a few mistakes.
With the Frenchwoman Océane Dodin you had probably the hardest possible lot. How did you prepare for this beforehand?
I knew from the beginning that it would be very difficult. The tournament is very well endowed. I was happy to be able to play at all, if I’m honest. Until a few years ago, Fränz Dahm helped organize the tournament. He was a good friend and always wanted me to play here. Unfortunately he passed away recently, so I wanted to play for him too.
You finished college this summer and are now playing an ITF tournament for the first time in Pétange. How big was the difference in level?
It’s a big difference. Things are just different at college. It’s a completely different experience. You may be alone on the pitch individually, but you play for a team. You are together with friends and co-workers. The ITF tournament has now been a completely different level. My opponent Océane Dodin has been in the top 100 in the world for years. The standard is also high at college, but this was something different.
Are you now returning to the professional tour after college?
To be honest, I don’t know exactly yet. I have to see what happens to my school first. I have now completed my bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy and I have to see what I will do next because this degree is not yet recognized here in Luxembourg. What happens next with tennis also depends on whether I continue with school straight away or not. I will definitely continue to play locally and take part in the national championships, for the rest I will have to wait and see.
Does that mean a return to the professional tour is not in sight for the time being?
I’m going to take a little break now and then I’ll see what happens next. In order to come back, I would have to train more and play a few tournaments to get more self-confidence again. Games like today against big players are also important.
