Top talent Naef (18) dreams of Wimbledon coup: ‘I am proud of my team and myself’

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Things are going fast with Céline Naef. Her rise in the world rankings was lightning fast. From 874 last October to 165 in just eight months. She has also quickly gained a foothold at WTA level, as she recently reached the quarter finals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Ho). The 18-year-old from Schwyz even beat tennis icon Venus Williams (43). And now she hasn’t missed anything at Wimbledon either. She qualifies for the main tournament at the first attempt, where she will meet Russian Anastasia Potapova (22, WTA 22) in the first round on Tuesday.

Does Céline Naef also ignite the turbo privately – away from the field? Blick takes the short test.

Blick: How fast are you when you get up in the morning?
Celine Naef: (laughs) Pooh. Actually, I can do it quite quickly.

What do you want to find out quickly?
If I have to clean something up, I prefer to hit the accelerator.

How fast can you make new friends?
I don’t really have a problem with that. I like to be among people, but I also like to have my peace in between.

How quickly do you lose your temper?
That depends on how much energy I have left in the tank. If the day has already been very tiring, I may become impatient.

How fast are you in making decisions?
I have to be very fast on the field. In addition? It’s not always like that – for example when it comes to where we should go for dinner.

How quickly can you get your driver’s license?
It’s my turn. I am currently studying for the theory exam. I could have started when I was 17, so I’m not one of the fastest here. But I’m on schedule.

How soon will you get your first major title?
I let that come to me. That will take as long as it takes. So far I have attached great importance to going step by step and not looking too hard into the future.

Are you sometimes amazed at how fast everything has gone?
I didn’t have high expectations for myself. I knew at the end of last year that I was a good junior. But I couldn’t judge what this means for the professional level. I did not expect this speed. But of course it gives me confirmation that I’m on the right track. And with a little distance I realize: Wow, the past few months have been incredible. I am proud of my team and myself.

How soon did you hear about your opponent Potapova after the draw for the Wimbledon main draw?
The first thing I did on the day of the draw was relax and recharge my batteries after qualifying – and enjoy the success too. I know you from TV, I’ve seen you play. One thing is clear to me: I have a big task ahead of me.

What’s it like for you to be able to play at this legendary facility as soon as a pro?
It’s a dream come true. Last year in the juniors it was a great pleasure for me. To be back in Wimbledon – and then in the main draw – is a really nice feeling. Here everything is refurbished and perfected down to the last detail. Simply impressive!

Source : Blick