There is no doubt about that she is a talent,  Polina Buhrova, and although she is only 21 years old, she has already competed regularly on the World Tour for two years. Currently, she is ranked number 45 in women’s singles and 25 in women’s doubles with her partner Yevheniia Kantemyr. While the two Ukrainian players are higher ranked in doubles, their own focus remains firmly on singles.

Despite being part of the World Tour for two years, a major breakthrough has yet to come. This week at the Denmark Open, Buhrova exited in the first round, just as she did last week at the Arctic Open and the week before at the Al Ain Masters. In fact, we have to go back to June to find her most recent singles victory, when she reached the semifinals at the US Open.

There is no doubt about her determination to reach the very top of the sport, and she consistently demonstrates incredible fighting spirit on court. At the same time, it is a difficult position to be in, as she does not get to play many matches each week and must constantly prepare for the next tournament. About being in the tier just below the world’s elite, she says:

"It is a bit tiring. I am a bit tired mentally mostly, because I am at this stage where it is quite difficult to manage these matches and take the next step. So I am struggling a little bit."

Even in this challenging position, the young athlete remains optimistic about the future.

"This is part of the growth and part of a career, so I will find a way to take this next step."

Due to the situation in her home country, Buhrova and Kantemyr have created a training setup in Milan, Italy, without permanent sparring partners. Buhrova nevertheless expresses her gratitude to Badminton Ukraine for making it all possible for the two young players.