“Naomi talked with journalists after a match with Coco Goff in 1/8 US OPEN Final”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– Naomi, you looked very confident and comfortable. When did they feel so good at the court?
– Honestly, if you watched my matches in Montreal, then I felt very well against Svitolina. For me, the meeting became indicative – I realized that I could withstand long draws with anyone. And today she had a mascot in his pocket – my labub (laughs).
– In the game with Coco you smiled several times even after strong blows of the rival. Was it conscious or just a good mood?
– In fact, I set myself the goal: in this tournament you need to smile more and enjoy. In the first round, I was too nervous, and I did not smile against Kasatkina. So today I wanted to be grateful for the moment. Hoff is one of the best in the world, and for me the most pleasure to play with such rivals. I love challenges.
– Is it part of the influence of your coach Tomash Viktorovsky?
– Yes. It seems very harsh, but in fact, when it smiles, it resembles a teddy bear. After the matches, he always encourages, creates an atmosphere of safety, where I can freely express myself and my tennis.
– You have the perfect statistics: every quarterfinals of the Grand Slam ended with the title. Does it press or add confidence?
– No other. This is a new area for me at this career stage. I just enjoy the fact that I can play with the strongest again. I am most pleased that I do not need a wild-card now to participate in the tournaments-I have returned to the main grid and I will be sown in large tournaments, such as Indian-Wells or Mayami.
– Were there moments when you thought to quit tennis?
– To be honest, she never thought about it. To throw a racket for me is a very scary thought. I play from the age of three, it’s like breathing. Yes, there were periods of disappointment, but I always knew: I wanted to return to the court.
– The next rival is Karolina Mukhova. What are the expectations of the match?
– It will be a serious challenge. We even trained here together. It is one of the most talented in the tour, moves well, very strong physically. I expect a heavy battle.
– What are the main improvements in your game allowed to return to this level?
– I think most is the understanding that I am able to withstand long draws. It adds confidence, and now I’m not trying to win every ball Winner. I learned to wait for the right moment.