Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain admitted that she would need to improve in tournaments, adding that she lacked killer instincts that would help propel her to new heights.
“I’ve lacked a killer instinct in tournaments,” she said. “I have a good knowledge of the opponents I’ve faced in those finals.
“I know what things I need to improve on in order to win titles as soon as possible. Mentally, I’ve made big changes and hope that will help me pick up my first title.
“The US Open left me with a good taste in my mouth. My first few matches were very intense, and that helped me clear my head before taking on (Angelique) Kerber. That was my most important match of the week and I was able to do enough to turn things around in the final set after having gone behind. That victory was a small step in the right direction for me. But I don’t want to be content with just reaching the quarterfinals. I need to continue working hard to improve.”
Suarez Navarro has had a breakthrough year, which saw her reaching two WTA finals earlier this year in Acapulco and Oeiras. She also reached the quarterfinals of the US Open 2013 where she loss in straight sets to eventual champion Serena Williams. Her ranking peaked at number 14.
“Serena is the true No.1. I’ve always said that she’s on a different level than the rest of the female players and she’s definitely the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced.”
