[16] Rowan Elaraby (EGY) bt [17] Sana Ibrahim (EGY) 11-9, 11-8, 11-5 (39m)
Rowan
It was very heated, I would say.
Yesterday, I mentioned ‘frustration’. Today, I would say, ENERGY!
I’m trying to turn all that energy into positive, and I’m trying to be eager and firmer. That I shouldn’t be putting any kind of pressure on myself. But I’m on court to prove to myself and to all that I here because I DESERVE TO BE HERE.
It’s been a while since I was on the winning side as well.
I’m tough, you know. I’m strong. To be honest, I never thought that of myself before. Or at least, I never spelt it out. I never expressed it out loud. This injury is like a revelator; I see things in myself I didn’t know were there.
I’m not taking this win for granted at all. I’m very humble about it, I’m still grateful. I’m trying to learn something new every day. I’m trying to work on myself every day. And it’s just very special to see myself here today. I’m doing the work every day to be here, I’m very proud of myself, and I can’t wait until the next match.
I was just telling my team that this month has been pretty hard, to be honest. I’m not trying to think about the anniversary of the injury. I’m just trying to be present and be in the moment, the injury is done, I’m over it. I’m not trying to think about it anymore, I’m here today, I’m competing.
“My team has been my safe zone. I wouldn’t have passed any of the hard times without them. I’m very grateful to have them through it all, and I’m very grateful to have them today. I’m very lucky with the team I have, with the family I have, with my friends. The love and support is why I’m here today and competing again.
From this point on, I’m here. I’m strong. I never really went away, and I’m back!
