Podoroska: I always felt I could achieve big things

Six months ago, Argentina's Nadia Podoroska was the surprise package at Roland Garros and rocketed into the centre of the tennis universe after blazing a trail all the way to the semi-finals.

She arrived in Paris relatively unknown but departed as an international superstar, becoming the first female in the Open Era to navigate qualifying before reaching the last four in the French capital.

Eventual champion Iga Swiatek of Poland ended her dreams of a sensational title bid, although the 24-year-old remains the only Argentinian woman since Paola Suarez in 2004 to contest a Grand Slam semi-final.

It seems unthinkable now but starring on one of the game's biggest stages was a far cry from a couple of years earlier when her career and all that she had worked for was in jeopardy.

In May 2018, Podoroska had slipped to No. 508 in the world rankings following an injury nightmare which saw her sidelined for eight months with a wrist problem, while a hip issue had already stifled her on-court progress.

As Rosario-born Podoroska's ranking dropped and her earnings potential lessened, so did the ability to travel to tournaments, placing her very status as a professional in doubt.

'It was a very tough time for me,' said Podoroska.

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