Kotov dedicated the success in Marrakesh to the coach who passed away a few days before the start of the tournament

Russian tennis player Pavel Kotov said that his coach Ivan Polyakov passed away a few days before the start of the tournament in Marrakesh (Morocco) in April.

Kotov, ranked 101st in the world ranking, in Marrakech for the first time in his career reached the semi-finals of the ATP tournament.

— I would like to dedicate this success to the coach, who passed away a few days before the tournament. It was a huge tragedy for me and the team. It was thanks to Polyakov that I was able to rise in the ranking from 300th position to 100th in a year. He always believed in me, was a wonderful person and friend. He will forever remain in my heart, I want to dedicate all my victories to him.

— What happened to him?

– Last year, after Roland Garros, Vanya underwent a standard examination and was diagnosed with oncology. Until the end of the year, he was treated in Germany, and then returned to Russia. All this time he was in touch with me, helped, supported me, even without being next to me at the competitions. He is an incredibly strong and courageous person, to whom I will always be eternally grateful.

How did you feel morally, given the circumstances?

– Hard. I remember that Vanya really wanted to see my victories, and I tried to do everything to play well. I wanted to reach the final or even win in memory of Vanya. But, unfortunately, it was not possible to go beyond the semi-finals, – Kotov is quoted by Match TV.