THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 11, 2021

Gordon Reid

Press Conference

J. GERARD/G. Reid

6-2, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You said on court you felt you played some really good tennis. Is there anything you think you could have done differently today?

GORDON REID: Yeah, I thought in general my level was high. Yeah, I think he played the big points really well. There were a few break opportunities at the start of the first set. Maybe I could have returned a little bit better on a couple of those. But I felt like he played most of the big points well today.

Yeah, changed the tactics slightly when I was 4-1 down second set, trying to use a little more flight in the ball, trying to cause him problems that way. I could have maybe tried that a little bit earlier in the match.

At the end of the day in the tiebreak he played better, returned better. I didn't really feel like I had much chance.

Q. A few words on the crowd support today? How was it for you competing in that atmosphere again?

GORDON REID: Yeah, I loved it. I enjoyed every minute of it. The crowd was awesome today. I think as the match went on, the seats filled up more and more. They were getting right into it. They were creating an awesome atmosphere for both of us.

It's just great to see so many people enjoying our sport. Hopefully more of that to come.

Q. Live on BBC Two again. The Duchess of Cambridge watching. Quite an occasion.

GORDON REID: Yeah, like I said on court, a few years ago when I played here, there was nobody interested at all really. The sport's come a long way. It's been a lot of fun to be a part of that. Hopefully we can keep building on that. The slams give us a great opportunity to do that. Wimbledon especially, they really showcase the sport.

Hopefully there's bigger things to come.

Q. You had a great year so far, good results. How are you feeling going into events such as the British Open and obviously Tokyo?

GORDON REID: Yeah, I feel like I'm in good form. Obviously today wasn't my day, but I feel like I'm playing good tennis. I feel physically in a good place, as well. So, yeah, go home, take some rest, play the British Open in a couple weeks, then all eyes on Tokyo after that.

Q. Jo played an aggressive game, on the attack. The second set you were a set and 4-1 down, we saw some classic Gordon Reid shots. What difference did it make to your game to get the break at 4-1 down off Jo's serve?

GORDON REID: Yeah, it was a big moment in the match because for me, I think that was the first time I'd broken his serve in the match. I thought he was serving well. I needed to break his rhythm and try and put a little bit more pressure on his serve. For me that was a big moment. Obviously started a good run for me.

Yeah, just when I was ahead, at the end of that set in the tiebreak I didn't quite serve well enough and return well enough. That was the difference really.

Q. You had the crowd on your side out there. A number of very unique songs. Do we now call you Sweet Gordon Reid and do we all walk in a (indiscernible) Wonderland?

GORDON REID: Yeah, there were some good songs out there. I enjoyed it, enjoyed the atmosphere. No, hopefully everybody that was there watching did as well.

Yeah, that's why we do it. That's one of the things I love the most, is coming here and experiencing that. It doesn't happen every day. Yeah, just big thanks to everyone that was supporting. Hopefully we'll be back next year.

Q. What was your favorite one?

GORDON REID: They're all good. I enjoyed the Sweet Gordon Reid. That was a new one for me. First time I heard that. That was a good one.

Q. You mentioned your trip to Nottingham coming up. Thoughts on the Paralympics, how big a target that is this summer?

GORDON REID: Yeah, it's a massive target. Obviously it's been five years waiting for the opportunity to represent the country again, to try and get the top of the podium.

For me, it's a massive, massive goal of mine, it always is, the singles and also in the doubles with Alfie. We won silver in Rio so we're looking to go one step further this time.

Yeah, it's going to be a different experience than usual. It's going to be interesting how it's going to play out. Obviously there will be not any spectators. There will be some different challenges this year, so I'm looking forward to getting there.

Q. Are you sort of approaching the form you showed in Rio at the moment?

GORDON REID: Yeah, I think so. I'm a different player now than I was then. The game's evolved. Everybody's playing at a higher level. It's more challenging to win these big titles.

But, yeah, like you say, I'm happy with where I am right now. I feel like I'm building some good momentum. I feel like I'm in a good place to go there and compete hard and just do the best I can.

Q. 18 Grand Slam titles now. With the wheelchair tennis initiative being launched this week, what would you say to anybody thinking of taking up the sport whether for fun or to reach a high level like you have?

GORDON REID: Yeah, it's been a good week. Obviously it's a difficult moment for me at the moment to see the positives because I've just come off a defeat. I'm proud of the way I played this week. I thought I competed well. The doubles was special yesterday with Alfie. To regain the title here, keep our streak going, was really, really good for us.

Yeah, hopefully these kind of situations, these kind of scenarios are what inspires more people to play. The odd person here or there might have watched on the TV, been here today, that could be the start of their journey in the sport. Yeah, hopefully we can get as many people playing in the UK as possible and see where it goes from there.