Marin’s feats throughout her career are already impressive enough but to make such a comeback at 30 years old after a serious injury, to continue gathering such results, is quite on another level. Just this year alone, the Rio 2016 gold medallist has some proof to show that she’s back at her top level — finishing as World Championships runner-up, winning the European Games gold, plus a title and two silvers in the World Tour.
Next up? Either silver or gold at the VICTOR Denmark Open 2023. “To be back at my top level is unbelievable. It was really hard for me to be back and to believe in myself,” said the Spaniard about the process of climbing back to the top. “And here I am, one more final tomorrow.”
Standing on her way to the grand match on Sunday was Pusarla V. Sindhu. The historic rivalry between the two added to the excitement and it was the clash many fans hoped for — with Marin being officially back and Pusarla showing that she has also made her return, having shown some great performances during this week as well as last week at the Arctic Open.
Marin secured the win in a heated three-game clash in which both opponents received a yellow card — the umpire warned them several times about toning down their celebrations and it all culminated with some verbal exchanges between the two players.
“I didn’t like this kind of moment, mainly for the spectators, with both players arguing on court. We have to fight for the game but not against each other,” Marin admitted.
Tomorrow, the Spaniard will be facing Chen Yu Fei. The last time they met on court, the Chinese shuttler snatched a Super 1000 title from the reigning European champion, back in June at the Indonesia Open.
Marin showed her confidence and cheerfulness when asked about her thoughts on tomorrow’s fight for the gold. “I feel really proud of myself. I just want to enjoy it and give it my best.”