To say Jarmila Groth’s loss in the quarterfinals at the Brisbane International was hard to take doesn’t come even close to describing it.
Up against world No.32 Andrea Petkovic, the 42nd-ranked Groth no doubt saw herself as a better than good chance to make it through to the semifinals, a result that would give her a huge boost early in the new year.
And in a career that has been punctuated by inconsistency at WTA level, for Groth this was more than just another match.
“The two wins in Brisbane were great, but once you start winning you start expecting more from yourself and I was frustrated I couldn’t deliver,” an at times emotional Groth told media following the match.
But it wasn’t just the loss that Groth is upset about. An on-court exchange with husband, Sam, a professional player ranked No.260 in the world, was picked up on the match broadcast.
WTA rules allow players to call their coach on court during the change of ends for a mid-match pep talk. But with Groth’s coach not present, husband Sam was the man in Groth’s corner.
It was during one of these conversations that Groth was overheard swearing when discussing tactics. An incident that Groth says she instantly regretted.
“I’m really sorry if I offended anyone at all during my match last night,” she said. “I’ve already apologised to my gorgeous husband Sam, and I’m lucky because as a fellow player he understands how emotional it can be on court during a tough match. Especially when you are so passionate about wanting to win, which I am all the time, and he understands that as well.
“Not that I’m making any excuses, but my passion and my will to win got the better of me on the night and I was angry because I so wanted to perform at my best. The support I’ve had both here in Brisbane and from fans around the country has been fantastic.”
Groth now moves on to Hobart, her second WTA tournament in as many weeks, where the proud Aussie will continue her preparation for the Australian Open, where she’s hoping to replicate the form that saw her make the fourth round at the French Open and Wimbledon in 2010.
“I hope I can give the Aussie fans something more to cheer about over the next few weeks.”