ROLAND GARROS

June 3, 2021

Elise Mertens

Press Conference

E. MERTENS/Z. Diyas

4-6, 6-2, 6-4

Q. Can you just talk through the match first of all and what was the key to getting the win at the end?

ELISE MERTENS: Yeah, I think I started a bit slow. Legs were a bit slow, too. I just felt like my legs were a little bit heavier than other days. I don't know why.

I felt like I was playing too defensive definitely, but in the second set I started to turn it around, play more aggressive in the court, especially when she's hitting those higher balls, try to take the drive volley. I think that made a difference in the second set.

Also the third set can go either way, but it was just a fight. I didn't want to lose; I wanted to win; I wanted to give it all and try everything I can to get this match done.

Q. How much did the crowd help you? They were getting loud and I saw you encouraging them to get even louder. It must have felt really good to have that environment again.

ELISE MERTENS: Yes, definitely, I felt a lot of people were on my side and some Belgian flags were there, too, so I'm very happy that people can come and watch. They're really the die-hard fans who can come and watch at the French Open now, but yeah, they definitely helped me through this match, and it just feels good that they're back.

Q. Looking ahead obviously to playing Maria, you guys haven't actually played a ton on the tour level, despite I would think that your head-to-head would be a little bit more robust, but what is the challenge of playing Sakkari, specifically on clay?

ELISE MERTENS: Yeah, she's a great player, especially on clay. Playing more aggressive, I think, during the years. I think because we were kind of like in the same ranking that we don't really get a lot of draws together, so I think that's why. But it's definitely going to be a difficult match.