2016-07-02 11:11:00 CET
German duo check into final
Thrilled Poreč Major finalists Chantal Laboureur and Julia Sude didn’t expect to make it this far – so much so they had to re-book their flights to Gstaad!
The Germans stunned their fellow countrywomen Karla Borger and Britta Büthe to book their first final and become the first women qualifiers to reach a Swatch Major Series gold medal match.
“Our flight was booked for this morning so yesterday we had to change our flight and rebook for tomorrow,” a joyful Laboureur told us after their incredible win. “We didn’t expect to be in the final, we’re so happy that we made it – it just feels amazing.”
Sude, smiling on Center Court, added: “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet, it’s our first semifinal together and it was almost like a German championship – that’s in September so we’re prepared for that now! I think once we see pictures of us on the podium it will become reality.”
The Germans will either face smart Major Hamburg winners Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst or Canada’s Sarah Pavan or Heather Bansley, who won silver here 12 months ago.
So who do they want to play?
“We don’t really care!” said Chantal. “We can’t change anything - we’ll be happy to play both teams, German or Canada. We’ll see.”
And we certainly will! The women’s final takes place at 16:30 CET – be there or be square!
Read the third installment of Ben Saxton's Swatch Major Series blog
Stunning comeback gives Brazilian qualifiers gold