Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova believes a surge in confidence is the key factor behind her recent performances on the international stage.

The 19-year-old continued her solid form at the YONEX Swiss Open 2026, progressing to the round of 16 after defeating Denmark's Amalie Schulz in three games.

But for Nalbantova, the bigger story has been the mental shift following Bulgaria’s triumph at the European Women's Team Championships, defeating heavy favorite Denmark.

“Mentally, that’s the main part that changed for me,” she said. “I couldn’t find my confidence in my game style and my movement before.”

The team event proved to be a turning point. Victories against higher-ranked opponents helped the Bulgarian realise she could compete with the top players.

“After I beat some higher-ranked players, I found my confidence and now I get more relaxed during my matches,” she explained. “Now I know what I can do and I know my abilities.”

If results go her way in Basel, Nalbantova could set up a rematch with Japan’s Tomoka Miyazaki, the former world junior champion. Nalbantova and Miyazaki played a tight encounter at the German Open two weeks ago.