Veronika Kudermetova admits she loves playing in Russia because it feels "home-like," but also adds she doesn't spend much time in her home country simply because the schedule is too demanding and she rarely finds time to return home.
Kudermetova, 28, took part in last weekend's Northern Palmyra Trophies in St. Petersburg. The 28-year-old was a part of the Sphinxes team alongside Yulia Putintseva, Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov. They ended up winning the mixed team event after beating the Lions, who were represented by Diana Shnaider, Anastasia Potapova, Alexander Bublik and Tallon Griekspoor.
Russia hasn't been hosting any ATP or WTA tournaments since 2021, but the Northern Palmyra Trophies has been regularly taking place since 2022.
Kudermetova asked if she feels special emotions when playing in Russia
"Yes. Just the realization that youre playing in Russia, that everyone around you speaks Russian whether theyre your relatives or complete strangers who came to watch tennis makes a difference compared to the tournaments during the season, which for us are all held outside our country now. The atmosphere in St. Petersburg feels different very home-like," the 28-year-old told Izvestia.
Kudermetova, who is married to her coach Sergei Demekhine, specifically mentioned her home town Kazan as the place where she loves to return.
"Unfortunately, I manage to come to Russia very rarely, because our season schedule is extremely packed. But whenever I have the chance, I always try to return to Russia and spend all my time in my hometown of Kazan I train there and spend time with my family," the two-time WTA champion explained.
This year, Kudermetova posted a 35-25 record in singles and finished the year as the world No. 30. In doubles, the Russian tennis player enjoyed much more success, winning Wimbledon and the WTA Finals with her doubles partner Elise Mertens.
