THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 29, 2021

Carla Suarez Navarro

Press Conference

A. BARTY/C. Suarez Navarro

6-1, 6-7, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Can you just talk through the match from your side. How close did you feel like you were to being able to turn it around? What made the difference in the end?

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Well, I think I start a little bit nervous, like always. Long time off court, so... I only played Roland Garros before this tournament. I started a little bit nervous.

Then in the second set I think I play a really good game. I was enjoying the match. I'm trying to do my best. I know what I have to do to win the match, but my body is not the same that two years ago. When I spend time on court, I feel tired.

I think she play also a really good match. She serve really good. This was one of the difference, but also I feel tired at the end (smiling). A lot of emotions also. Not easy, but I really enjoy.

Q. Can you talk about the atmosphere out there. You got the crowd, play on Centre Court against the world No. 1. Your mom seemed to be enjoying it as well.

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Yeah, I think Wimbledon make me a really good gift. I really enjoy. I cannot ask for anything else better than this day. As you say, one of my last match here against Ash, No. 1 of the world, Centre Court, I mean, with the roof. Was amazing.

I really enjoy everything I pass through. I think now, today, I was or I am the most happy player on tournament, for sure.

Q. How emotional was it at the end when Ash was applauding you off as well as everyone else? What was going through your head when you could hear the crowd?

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Well, I just try to play my best, try to do the crowd enjoy the match as we do. Yeah, at the end, well, it was really nice. I really appreciate it.

Yeah, the crowd was amazing. I mean, it was fantastic. I'm in love with this tournament, this court and this crowd.

Q. I wanted to ask about your mother. For those watching on TV, they showed her a good bit with her cell phone camera, with such pride and joy, making a movie of you today. Would you mind telling us a bit about the role she has played recently for you, what her presence today meant.

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Yeah, is the second time or the third time that she came to Wimbledon. But she always make the same. She film everything. She take photo for everything, to everyone. She really, really enjoy. She was by my side all this time, all these months.

Well, for her was a really good moment. She really want to be on Centre Court. Well, I think she's proud. I want to say thank you to my mom every day.

Q. Are you surprised with the level of your game? Maybe is it a reflection for you to carry on more or you keep on your decision to stop or maybe you still have in your mind to carry on?

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Well, for me playing on grass is more difficult than play on hard or clay. But I was practicing all these days good. I think I was ready to do that match. But for sure I have to play against Ash. She also know how to play on grass. So for me was difficult.

But, well, I'm not surprised of my level. For sure I want to play better in the first and final set. I'm not surprised.

Then the other one, yeah, for sure I'm going to play my last tournament in the US Open. Then I finish my career.

Q. You don't come back on your decision?

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: No, no, no, no (smiling).

Q. Now that your Wimbledon career is over, can you just kind of explain what this tournament, the grass season, has meant for you in your career?

CARLA SUAREZ NAVARRO: Well, always the tough one. Always the more difficult for me. I really enjoy to play on grass, but it's difficult to play because we only have two or three weeks of grass during the year. Everything is going too fast always.

But, well, is one of the most beautiful tournament in the year. Always when I come back, I'm really happy to be here. Everything is so beautiful. Everyone playing in white I think is really special.

I have really good memories. For me is for sure the Grand Slam more difficult to play, but every time when I go on court I try to enjoy. What I say, I have a really good memory from here.