German tennis player Tamara Korpatsch (27) had very successful 2022 season. "I won my first WTA tournament last year and also broke into the Top 100. I didn‘t change a lot with my practice, just practiced more serve. I changed my game a bit, playing more aggressive than before and also started to use my old good racket I feel most comfortable with," told us the player which was born in Hamburg. And she wants to have even more better season 2023.

Tamara, why did you choose to play in Trnava?

"It‘s close to Germany and I have already played few times here. I know this club and its a nice place for the tournament."

What are your memories about tournaments in Trnava? You have played at three EMPIRE Slovak Open clay events in 2017, 2018, 2019 and your best result was 2nd round in 2017 when you beat Barbara Haas 7-6, 7-5. Do you remember that match or other matches from our club? Will you play our clay tournament also in 2023? It will start from 8th May...

"Yes I remember almost every match here in Trnava. But unfortunately in the past, I've never played well here at this tournament. I don‘t know yet if I can play the clay tournament this year."

The year 2022 was the best in your career probably. Do you think that? What is the reason for that? Have you made any changes in your tennis trainings/preparation that is the reason for that?

"Yes I think the same thing, too. I won my first WTA tournament last year and also broke into the Top 100. So it was very successful. I didn‘t change a lot in my practice, just practiced more serve. I changed my game a bit, playing more aggressive than before and also started to use my old good racket I feel most comfortable with. After winning the W25 ITF tournament in Le Havre in March 2022, I also got more self confidence and played final in the WTA 125K the week after Le Havre. I got much more self confidence than before."

You won 3 titles in 2022 – W25 Le Havre, W60 Montreux, Budapest 125K Series. Which one was the toughest to win?

"Budapest was the toughest, because I had four 3-set matches at this tournament and I also played from the qualies to the win! Le Havre was tough too, because I started to get sick right before the tournament started and I continued to play sick but luckily I won."

You have 12 singles titles, all of them from clay surface. Can we say that clay is your the most favourite surface?

"Yes, unfortunately I don‘t have a hard court title yet (smiling). But hopefully very soon. Clay is my favourite surface for sure. I grew up on this court and spent many practice days on clay."

What do you like about tennis the most and when did you start to play tennis?

"The best of tennis is when I can play with fun. It‘s the most important too because if I play with fun, I can play my best tennis. I love to win! I started playing tennis when I was 5."

Who was your favourite player when you were growing up?

"Justine Henin was my favourite tennis player when I was young. I loved her footwork and the way she played. She moved so well and played very smart. When she has stopped playing, I had no favourite player anymore until today."

What are your hobbies? Besides tennis of course...

"When I'm home, I love to play my guitar. Love to play my own song and try to write some new songs. I don‘t have a lot of time for that but I just bought me a small guitar for to go (smiling). It looks exactly like my normal big guitar. Like a mini twin (smiling)."

Which tournament is your favourite and why?

"Roland Garros is my favourite tournament. Because it‘s on clay and I feel like I'm playing home. Its a nice feeling playing in Paris. And I love the spectators, they are really special."

What are your goals for 2023 season?

"My goals for 2023 season are: to break through the Top 50, to win at least minimum one match in a Grand Slam main draw and to stay healthy and free of injuries."