Zvonimir Durkinjak was smiling despite losing to Chou Tien Chen.
Croatian Zvonimir Durkinjak lost in two games, 21-14 21-10, against the second seed from Chinese Taipei, but after the match there was no disappointment.
- It was an awesome experience. It is the first time in my life I play a top player, so it was quite a good experience, Durkinjak said.
- I am not disappointed. I played quite okay and I did my best. I was so tired, he added.
Need to build on endurance
Durkinjak is ranked 126 in the world – 124 spots below Chou, and for the Croatian it is clear what his opponent did better.
- He has consistency and he has got more stamina than I do. He has been a singles player his whole life, I have not, and I also did more mistakes than him, Durkinjak explained.
- I can see that I need more stamina. I need endurance for these kind of matches. I cannot kill him with one shot. I have to continue to build up my stamina, so I later on can use it in my game.