Bassols makes history at Roland Garros, and without sponsors: "I am at a moment where I need them to keep growing"

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Marina Bassols has managed to become one of the standout names in the early days of Roland Garros. From the first match in the qualifying rounds, the Catalan has been climbing up to reach her second main draw of a Grand Slam and break through her ceiling with her first victory in a 'Major', after convincingly defeating Emiliana Arango. However, in the second round, she will face Mirra Andreeva.

Regarding facing one of the best tennis players in the world and therefore being able to compete on one of the main courts of Roland Garros, she spoke in a press conference with the Spanish media, including PuntodeBreak. She also discussed one of the current topics: the earnings of tennis players beyond the Top 100, as well as the constant threats she continues to receive on social media.

Marina Bassols narrates her need to secure sponsors to continue her career while achieving her best Roland Garros

"It's a complicated issue. At the moment, I don't have any extra support apart from the racket equipment from Wilson and clothing from Lotto. Obviously, tennis is a career with a lot of expenses, and in my case, I also got injured. Of course, when you're injured, you have no income, but you still have to pay your team. I believe that as you win and rise in the rankings, it's easier for people to trust you and for sponsors to come onboard."

"But well, I think I'm currently in a moment where I need them to keep growing. I'm someone who likes to keep those around me happy, I like us to work together. If a sponsor comes along, I would be super grateful for the help. So, I'm making a plea here to see if they trust me and what I can offer in tennis."

Happy with her dream week at Roland Garros

"I'm very happy. I had a tough qualifying phase. I don't know if anyone thought I would make it, that I would win my first round here today. But the excitement and determination kept me focused throughout the match, and now I'm really happy."

Now, enjoying her duel with Andreeva

"Of course, yes. I try to enjoy every match. They are unique moments. I don't know if I'll experience them again, I hope I will. But well, I try to enjoy it, it sounds easy to say, but it's quite challenging. Also, considering the situations I've had to go through for a while. Now, looking ahead, trusting in myself, thinking that it's just another match, and let's see what happens."

Since she posted a video on social media denouncing threats, she hasn't stopped winning

"Well, I believe I had been playing quite well before. I just wanted to bring attention to those starting to compete and make them aware of what they might face. These are messages we receive daily, and even though I posted the video, I still receive messages daily. I'll show you my phone, there are so many."

"I've been performing well for many months, very content, enjoying it, feeling very comfortable with my team, they trust me a lot. And I think that is of great help. When you go through tough times, I've also had to deal with injuries. In the last year and a half, I've had 5 or 6 different injuries, and it's been tough. But well, I'm always someone characterized as a fighter, who likes to overcome obstacles, and I'm really pleased with the level these past months."

She appreciates the support of the top players to increase tennis players' earnings

"Very grateful for those who speak out, who have a huge voice. In my case, it's been tough with the injuries, moments when I haven't played in major tournaments. Last year, I didn't perform as well, and that's money you count on and plan your year with. I had to talk to my team at the beginning of this year because I couldn't continue with what I was paying them."

"I'm lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who understood my situation. My coach would train me without me paying him, but obviously I wouldn't do that because he has a family and two kids. I like to have the people around me happy and comfortable, I believe it's the best way to work," concludes Marina Bassols, who despite the circumstances, doesn't give up, and now her hard work pays off at Roland Garros.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Bassols hace historia en Roland Garros, y sin sponsors: "Estoy en un momento donde los necesito para seguir creciendo"