Author: Ewa Kempka and Kacper Gaweł
The Warsaw European Open 2026 unfolded over an action-packed weekend, delivering memorable performances on the tatami. Still riding the momentum of a strong final day, we caught up with three of Sunday’s gold medallists: Szymon Szulik of Poland, Novo Raicevic of Montenegro, and Ophélie Vellozzi of France.
Szymon Szulik: The Juggling Act
First of all, congratulations on winning the gold medal. How difficult was the path to the final today?
Szulik: Thank you very much. In my opinion, the most difficult fights were the first three rounds. At the beginning of the tournament there is always the awareness that you can be eliminated very quickly, especially knowing that there are no repechages at that stage. That makes it mentally more challenging. My first two fights were quite long and very demanding physically, against left-handed opponents who were not very comfortable for me. The quarter-final and semi-final felt a bit easier, mainly because the opponents fought from the opposite stance, which suited me better today. As for the final, I already knew my opponent, we fought before at the European Championships, so I expected a long and exhausting contest.
So the early rounds were perhaps more challenging mentally than the later ones?
Szulik: Yes, exactly. When you know there is no second chance, the pressure is definitely higher. Later in the competition it becomes slightly easier mentally, because you know there is still another opportunity if something goes wrong. The first fights are always the hardest as well because you need to get into the rhythm of the competition and feel how you move and perform on that particular day.
In the final you seemed to have very good control of the contest. What was the key to your victory?
Szulik: My opponent fought from a left stance. My brother also fights left-handed, just like I do, so I train in this situation very often. Because of that I feel much more comfortable in these match-ups than when I face someone with the opposite grip. I knew exactly what I had to do and simply tried to fight my usual style.
So the key was the grip and controlling the position?
Szulik: Yes, for me the grip is always the most important element. If you control the grip, the fight is on your side. I have always focused a lot on gripping strategies, knowing how to position myself and how to dominate that aspect of the fight. Today I followed the tactics that I prepared together with my coach, stayed consistent and kept the pressure throughout the contest.
You had five contests today. How do you feel physically and mentally after such a demanding day?
Szulik: Physically it was definitely demanding but mentally I feel very good, especially because I managed to win the gold medal. Last year I finished fifth here, so I knew that this year I had a good chance to come back stronger and fight for a medal. Last year I was still a younger junior and just moving into this weight category but I was already fighting for a medal. That gave me confidence that this year could be successful.
What are your plans for the upcoming competitions?
Szulik: My next start will be the Junior European Cup in Poznań, where I will compete again in the junior category. After that I will probably take a slightly longer break because I have my final school exams coming up, so I will need to focus on those as well.
Novo Raicevic: Living the Dream
First of all, congratulations on winning the gold medal here in Warsaw. You showed very dominant judo today. What was your plan coming into this tournament?
Raicevic: Thank you very much. Last week I won the gold medal at the European Cup in Podgorica and immediately after that I went to the Olympic Training Camp in Nymburk. The plan coming to Warsaw was simple, to win another gold medal. My main goal this season is the European Championships in Georgia, so every competition is part of the preparation for that event. I felt very good both here in Warsaw and during the camp in Nymburk, so I believe I am currently in very good shape.
You compete often and combine tournaments with training camps. Would you say that this rhythm helps you maintain such strong form?
Raicevic: Yes, definitely. In my weight category the level is extremely high. There are many very strong judoka and the competition is always intense. It’s always a full category and very competitive, so you constantly need to do more than the others. Because of that level, I am really happy with today’s performance and result.
How would you assess your current form compared to previous years? Would you say you are in the prime of your career now?
Raicevic: Yes, I think my prime is now. Physically I have always had good judo and good conditioning but what is really important in judo is mental strength. That’s something I feel very confident about now. Being strong mentally and staying focused during fights is essential and I think that is what makes the difference for me at the moment.
During one of your fights today we saw a very strong action in ne-waza. Is that something you have been focusing on recently in training and camps?
Raicevic: Yes, I train a lot of ne-waza. In competition it can be very useful, especially if you are already leading with a score like waza-ari or yuko. You can control the fight and manage the time more effectively. That is why it’s important to be mature mentally and to know exactly what you are doing in every second of the fight. You need a clear plan. For me, ne-waza is just as important as tachi-waza.
What does this victory in Warsaw mean for you in the context of the upcoming competitions?
Raicevic: My next major competition will be the European Championships, which is my main goal this season. I will keep working hard until Georgia and then we will see what result I can achieve there. Of course, I would love to win another medal.
You also mentioned something very special that recently happened in your personal life.
Raicevic: Yes, one month ago I became a father. My twins, Aleksej and Dunja, were born. Last week I won gold in Podgorica and today I won gold in Warsaw, so I like to say that each of them already has their own gold medal, one for Aleksej and one for Dunja. I am very proud of them.
That must be a great motivation...
Raicevic: Yes, it really is. It’s much easier to fight when you know who is waiting for you at home. I would also like to thank my wife, who is also an Olympian and a judoka. We truly are a judo family, and they are a huge support for me. Right now I feel like I’m living the dream.
Ophelie Vellozzi: Belonging to a Bigger League
Congratulations for the gold medal. I have a couple of questions over here. Starting, how would you describe your emotions after winning a gold medal over here at the Warsaw European Open?
Vellozzi: Yes, it was important for me to win the gold but I would say that the most important match was my semi-final because Corneli got finished by ippon in the last second.
What does this result mean for you at this stage of the season? How important is it to you?
Vellozzi: I approached it like any other event. You always have to prepare tactically and stay true to the logic of your judo. This result shows that I belong at Grand Slams and Grand Prix events and that I am capable of winning medals there as well.
Missed the weekend’s action? Watch it back on JudoTV and browse the full gallery on eju.net.
Author: EJU Media