Petrovic ready to go 11 in a row
SOPRON (EuroLeague Women) – For a staggering 11th consecutive season and indeed every one of her EuroLeague Women career to date, Sonja Petrovic has been on the roster of a Final Four or Final Eight club.
Recognized as one of the great European players of her generation and with her appeal extending beyond the European continent, Petrovic is looking to add to her silverware haul with Dynamo Kursk this year as the reigning champions try to defend their title.
In her guise as the reigning EuroLeague Women Regular Season MVP, Petrovic is expected to play a big role for Kursk as they prepare to face a tough Semi-Finals matchup against domestic rivals UMMC on Friday.
However, the Serbian admitted that whilst fiercely passionate about her eye-catching record and one that is likely to be extended even further in future years, it has been a roller-coaster ride at times.
She explained: "My worst memories of a EuroLeague Women Final Four are from 2010, since I wasn't next to my team [Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje] due to my second torn ACL – and especially since it was such a big title victory and dedicated to the late [former owner] Shabtai von Kalmanovich.
"Also, last year was really tough since I was not able to get healthy in time for the Final Four and couldn't help my team 100 percent. I had been hoping to finish my EuroLeague Women campaign with Prague on a higher note."
Importantly for Petrovic, there have been plenty of highs – with two moments holding a special place in her heart.
She declared: "I have so many great memories since I am so proud to have been on teams that qualified to every Final tournament in all of my 11 EuroLeague Women seasons.
"But, if I have to choose, it would be my first Final Four back in 2008 with Bourges, when it was all just so overwhelming and huge to me.
"Plus of course, there was also winning the title with ZVVZ USK Prague during 2015 in front my family, our fans and with the best group of people ever."
The 11-season run to the Finals for Petrovic:
Sopron 2018 – Dynamo Kursk
Ekaterinburg 2017 – ZVVZ USK Prague
Istanbul 2016 – ZVVZ USK Prague
Prague 2015 - ZVVZ USK Prague
Ekaterinburg 2014 - Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Ekaterinburg 2013 - Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Istanbul 2012 – Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Ekaterinburg 2011 - Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Valencia 2010 - Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Salamanca 2009 – Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje
Brno 2008 – Bourges Basket
FIBA
