ROLAND GARROS

June 3, 2021

Karolina Pliskova

Press Conference

S. STEPHENS/Ka. Pliskova

7-5, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. A tough draw today for a second round here at the French Open. Can you give me your thoughts on how the match went.

KAROLINA PLISKOVA: Definitely a tough matchup today. Also the first round was not easy, but of course completely different opponent today. I thought she played great actually. I know she can play still no matter which ranking she is now. No matter which situation she is now I think she can still play great tennis.

I knew it was going to be super difficult and dangerous. She played a final here. I think she likes the conditions here, so that's quite obvious whoever saw the match.

But still there are things which I think I could do better, for example, like not losing the serve on 5-All I think twice in a row or just couple times in a row. I think that's not possible.

Yeah, other than that, I think the first set was quite good.

Of course second set was a bit difficult after to lose this close for a set. Of course it was a bit intense and quite a lot of long games in the first set. Yeah, second set could be definitely better.

Q. Losses like these must be very tough, especially in a Grand Slam. You know, this is where you really want to do well. In terms of coming to press conferences, do you find they are particularly difficult? There has been talk about changes with the Grand Slams, talking about potentially improving the situation with media relations with players and how you do things. Would you like to see some changes?

KAROLINA PLISKOVA: What's the question, sorry?

Q. There has been talk from the Grand Slam organizers about potentially looking at the way press conferences are handled maybe at tennis tournaments. Would you be supportive of changes? Maybe change the system. For example, if you lose, you know, do you feel like you should still come to a press conference and answer questions?

KAROLINA PLISKOVA: No, I mean, look, for me, I mean, you do press conferences on every tournament, not just on Grand Slams, no matter if you win or if you lose. I do press conferences basically after my match no matter what is happening, if I win or if I lose.

So I think it's part of the job we do. So I don't think -- with me, I don't have an issue about that. Of course there are easier days, there are tougher days, but I think you should handle that.