Veronika Kudermetova's winning Madrid formula: three-setters plus beer equals first WTA 1000 semifinal

“I start to drink beer this week.”

Veronika Kudermetova has played four matches at the Mutua Madrid Open this week. All four have gone the distance despite the No. 12 seed taking the opening set each time, though she’s found a way to come out on top—perhaps the result of brewing a new secret weapon.

Her latest victory involved brushing off being bageled. On Wednesday, Kudermetova eliminated last year’s runner-up, No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula, with a 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 victory to reach her third semifinal of the season and first since February.

The key to her success? Una cerveza.

“Every day, I took some beer for recovery,” she shared at the Tennis Channel desk.

“You actually drank beer for recovery?” questioned Prakash Amritraj.

“This is the first time I took a beer and it works really well. I’m so happy and proud of myself that I managed this tough match.”

In addition to ousting Pegula, Kudermetova also overcame seeded countrywomen Anastasia Potapova and Daria Kasatkina in deciding sets, following an opening-round victory over Nuria Parrizas-Diaz. Coming into this WTA 1000 event, Kudermetova had dropped four consecutive contests.

“I struggle too much this year. I lost a lot of matches that I didn’t expect,” she admitted to Amritraj. “This tournament, I start to trust more in myself. When it’s tough moment, I say to myself, ‘Veronika, just try to keep working. Believe in yourself.’ This is the most important improvement.”

Kudermetova, who recently turned 26, has posted her best singles result at the 1000 level. She advanced to her first major quarterfinal last season at Roland Garros and later broke into the Top 10.

The winner between top-ranked Iga Swiatek and Croatia’s Petra Martic will meet the world No. 13 for a place in the final.