VIKING INTERNATIONAL

June 25, 2021

Anett Kontaveit

Devonshire Park

Press Conference

A. KONTAVEIT/C. Giorgi

5-4 [Ret.]

THE MODERATOR: Obviously not the way you'd like to end a match, but you must be pleased to have reached the finals here in Eastbourne.

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, of course it's never the way you'd want to win. Yeah, it was a very close nine games, and I was very surprised and very sorry for her that she had to retire.

But, yeah, I have had really good matches so far. You know, the ones leading up to the semifinal, as well. I'm really happy with the way I'm playing and really happy to be in the finals.

Q. How would you compare your confidence coming into Eastbourne as opposed to your confidence going into the final?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: It's definitely gone up. You know, I came here with no expectations, really. You know, it was a very strong lineup, very strong tournament, so I was just, you know, hoping to get a few matches and getting used to the grass before Wimbledon.

But, yeah, I think I have played really well here and had some very good wins. I'm definitely feeling more confident now.

Q. Given your historic success and comfort on grass, when this section of the season begins, is there a sense at all with you in terms of like, I don't know, a switch being flicked or something of, like, This is a great opportunity for me? Something like that happening for you?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, I mean, I have always enjoyed playing on grass, but there's also been years that I haven't done well on grass.

Yeah, it's always sort of you have to sort of see it, like, as it goes. I mean, you never know what's going to happen. But it is a good surface, and I really do enjoy playing on it.

Q. Just thinking back to the 2017 title run in 's-Hertogenbosch, how much did that week of not just obviously winning your first WTA title, which is a big deal, but having it come on grass, how much did that change or influence how you perceived your abilities on the surface?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I actually like all surfaces, so they are all different but they all have their, you know, unique things about them that I like.

But, yeah, I don't know if it's -- of course it's my only title. For that, it's for sure special, and I had a great week in 's-Hertogenbosch, and yeah, I think it's something I will always remember, but I don't know. I also really enjoy myself on clay and on the hard courts, as well. I just think, you know, the tennis is a little bit different every surface.

Yeah, here it's quick and I feel like I'm playing well. I feel the grass well right now. So, yeah, it's exciting to be back on the grass.

Q. Looking ahead obviously to the final, it looks like it likely will be Ostapenko, but we will see, could be Rybakina, but if it is Jelena Ostapenko in the final, what is the challenge there for you?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Well, it's the Baltic final (smiling) if she happens to win.

Yeah, I mean, she hits the ball very hard and takes it very early. I'll have to be ready for that. We have played each other quite a few times back in the years, I think, not in the recent few years. But, yeah, I know what to be ready for. You know, she's a very good player. She's won a slam.

I think, you know, I like to go into every match having no expectations but also thinking that I can win and I do believe in myself.

Q. Just in the event it is Rybakina, if she comes back in this semifinal, can you talk about potentially playing her? She's kind of a newer name on tour, just given her very quick rise. What do you make of her game and the challenge of facing her?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, she's a very good player. She's performed really well in the last few years, and she's come up so quickly.

Yeah, she serves really well. She hits the ball hard. I think she takes time away. But I don't remember playing her. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. But I don't think I have played her.

So, you know, that would be like a new challenge to me.