“I was able to break my trend today and win this game in two. But I think I got a little bit lucky. Shelby got a little bit more of a break than I did, and she was a little bit colder, so it felt like a little bit easier match.” – (Yana Newell)
Grateful for the victory, she embraces the opportunity to keep her momentum and positivity alive. For Yana Newell, positivity on the court is more than a mindset; it’s a strategy. She emphasizes the importance of keeping frustration in check.
“Positive energy is definitely huge. The second you show frustration to your opponent, you lose the momentum a little bit.” she explained, sharing how maintaining focus and pushing through discomfort fuels her success.
The Value of Support and Routine
Yana Newell acknowledges, can feel like a lonely pursuit. “It’s just you and your head out there.” she says, highlighting the importance of her support team. Whether providing encouragement or helping to identify areas for improvement, Yana Newell’s team helps keep her grounded and focused.
“Just having one or two people that make you feel very comfortable when you’re in the match is huge.” – (Yana Newell)
Maintaining a calming routine also plays a crucial role in her game-day preparation. Newell has developed a few personal rituals—taking deep breaths, adjusting her pace—that help her refocus during pivotal moments. These habits bring a sense of stability amid the intensity of competition, allowing her to reset and re-energize after winning and challenging points.
Fueling the Fire for the Finals
After a hard-fought semifinal victory, Yana Newell savored a well-deserved meal, the tantalizing aromas around Championship Court adding to her hunger. Watching a friend’s match, she planned her evening—dining on pasta and resting well before partnering with Eric Lange in an upcoming doubles match.
“I really like having big dishes of pasta the night before I play.” – (Yana Newell)
The upcoming day held excitement and anticipation for Yana Newell as she balanced physical recovery with mental readiness.
Another challenge she faces on the road to the finals is managing a longstanding issue with plantar fasciitis, which has flared up recently. A disciplined recovery routine helps her keep the condition in check, giving her body the best chance to perform at its peak.
Reflecting on a Thrilling Journey
Yana Newell’s road to the finals featured intense matches against top competitors like Dominika Turkovic and Nicole Eugenio. The matches were close, pushing her to stay laser-focused on each point.
“She [Dominika] had the lead in the first game and in the third, so just staying present and focusing on one point at a time helped me get through it.” – (Yana Newell)
Balancing tactical adjustments with mental strength, she pushed past each obstacle. Off the court, Yana Newell finds time to unwind with her all-time favorite pastime—reading Harry Potter. “I’ve probably read the books and watched the movies 10, 20, 30 times.” she admitted, appreciating the escape it provides from the pressures of competition.
News in Brief: Yana Newell’s Journey at APP Newport Beach Open
Yana Newell’s journey at the 2024 OWL Newport Beach Open has been a blend of grit and gratitude. Breaking her trend of three-setters, she sailed through her semifinal match with ease, leaning on positive energy and focus to claim victory.
Supported by her team and pre-game routines, she prepares for the finals with mental and physical strategies. Balancing the pressure of her top-seed status with seasoned composure, Yana Newell is ready to take on the challenges ahead.
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