ROLAND GARROS

June 1, 2021

Elina Svitolina

Press Conference

E. SVITOLINA/O. Babel

6-2, 7-5

Q. I just wondered, how difficult is it to take on a player of that age who's playing on the Grand Slam stage for the first time?

ELINA SVITOLINA: For sure it was challenging in some ways because I don't know much about her going into the match. I just knew she was left-handed and I have to be ready for anything. In the end I think I started quite good, and then she was playing a little bit differently and then really raised her level.

It was a good match for the first match because you have to be ready for a good start and to work your way into the match.

Q. May I ask you to look ahead a little bit to Wimbledon? Two years ago you were a semifinalist, had a tremendous run there, and in all likelihood have you even played on grass since then? How difficult will it be to go back to Wimbledon after such a great run but not having played for two years on grass?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Actually I played on grass. I played the exhibition tournament in Berlin, where actually it's going to be held this year, the tournament after here. It was a couple of days on grass for me, and it was quite fun, actually, to be back on that surface because anyway, we're not playing so many tournaments, and this year is going to be even less.

It's going to be tricky to go straight into the grass season after like almost straight into Wimbledon, Grand Slam to Grand Slam. It's going to be interesting for everyone, I guess. But I'm excited about it. Played semifinal at Wimbledon the last time I was there, so it's exciting. But for now I have still a job to do at Roland Garros.

Q. Just wanted to get your thoughts on Naomi Osaka withdrawing and how much of a shock has that been for the rest of the women's tour?

ELINA SVITOLINA: Well, I think there's been so much said already about her case. Honestly I think it is what it is. She made her decision, and I wish her a speedy recovery because it seems like it really damaged her mentally.

Q. What is the single most magical thing about Wimbledon for you?

ELINA SVITOLINA: I think the whole experience of Wimbledon is something magical because we know that the rules are quite strict, and this year it's going to be even more strict with all the protocols that we have to follow. But you're just in white, you are at such a nice venue, historical venue, so all the atmosphere that the fans make and just stepping on the court, it's all the whole experience I would say. It's very tough to pick one thing.