THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 28, 2021

Petra Kvitova

Press Conference

S. STEPHENS/P. Kvitova

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Obviously this was a tough first round, getting Sloane. What do you think didn't work for you today? What made the difference in the end?

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, as you mentioned, was tough first round, for sure. I felt that I do have a kind of ability to win the match. I just didn't find the best for me today. It was really tough.

Yeah, I just didn't play the best. I think that she played really solid. Yeah, she was just better today.

Q. I know you get very nervous in first rounds, especially at Wimbledon. Were there nerves today? How was the ankle?

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, you're right. I've been nervous at the beginning, as well. But after few games, it just went out, which was very nice. Just stayed for couple games, that's important.

I started really well. I just break her serve. I didn't really hold my serve. Probably about the nerves as well a little bit.

My ankle, thank you for asking, it's getting better. I didn't have any pain in my ankle today, so that's very good news.

Q. This is the first Wimbledon in two years. We know how much you love it there. How are you going to deal with this disappointment? Is it a huge disappointment or at this point in your career you're able to take these things in your stride?

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, you're right. I just love it here. Maybe that's why sometimes it's too hard for me to play. But on the other hand I still do love, it's much bigger than the other things.

Of course, I'm very disappointed. I'm sad I lost in my first round here. I'm glad I can be here after two years missing it. And I know also that there are much tougher, harder times in the life than just losing the match. Of course, it hurts. On the other hand I know there are more important things in life.

Q. What do you think that Sloane did particularly well today? What was working best for her? She had a good run in Paris. Not a huge surprise.

PETRA KVITOVA: First of all, I have to say that she served very well. I didn't really know that she's playing that well on the grass, to be honest. One year I had a practice with her. It wasn't like that good from her side. She really surprised me kind of. She didn't miss at all, I would say. She was moving very well.

It was tough for me to get to the final shots as well. My game, which I love to open the court a little bit more. But I just couldn't make it. I just felt like little bit under pressure as well. She played pretty long balls as well, very deep. It was a bit difficult for me to find something. With the nerves, and not really great movement from my side, it was just a bit difficult.