French Open: Idol Conquered, Ohori Basks in ‘My Moment’
For so long, Aya Ohori had been waiting to step onto the court with her idol Carolina Marin.
· DIANNE PIERRE
On YONEX French Open 2023 quarterfinals day, that wish became a reality as the Japanese faced off against the 2016 Olympic champion in their first-ever encounter. The showdown was nothing short of spectacular, with Ohori defeating the Spaniard 21-18 21-18 to secure her ticket to the semifinals.
"I can't quite believe it, this is crazy," an elated Ohori, through to her first Super 750 semifinal since the 2018 Japan Open, exclaimed post-match. "I've wanted to play her for so long that just meeting in the draw was the biggest goal.
"I knew it was going to be tough, Marin is physically strong. This morning I was so excited about the match and that helped me mentally. This is my moment, and I'm going to enjoy it."