OMNIUM BANQUE NATIONALE

August 10, 2021

Bianca Andreescu

Press Conference

B. ANDREESCU/H. Dart

6-1, 3-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Why don't you just walk us through that match, how you felt out there on your home court.

BIANCA ANDREESCU: I felt really, really good throughout the whole match just knowing I'm playing at home, I have the crowd support. That always helped in key moments.

I think I started off the match really, really well. Then there was a moment where I tried something different for, like, two, three points. I think that was the key moment where it switched momentums and she started playing well. I think it was the 1-All game in the second set. Yeah, she picked up her level.

I thought I was still playing well at that point, but I think it was more mental towards the end. I'm just super happy that I was able to go from here and come more closer to the baseline, finishing off points at the net.

Q. We saw some shots of your parents in the crowd, up in the suite. How often do they get to be with you at these tournaments? What does it mean to have them in your corner?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: Well, because of COVID, it was super hard to bring them whenever I wanted. This is actually their first time. No, actually they came to Miami. But other than that, no, it was just Miami and now here. Oh, actually, my God, French Open, too, now that I think about it. I was able to get them tickets.

Yeah, having them there is super great. Can't really hear them from that far up, but I know that they're screaming, especially my mom.

It's nice to also have Coco, as well. She always brings a good vibe wherever she is. I'm just super happy to have also my whole team, my friends. Just having that support means a lot to me.

Q. You have to defend most of your points in these three weeks. This is like an extra pressure or motivation for you?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: I'm trying not to look at it like that because when I do, it's putting more pressure on me. I try to have a different mindset where I'm going into the tournament, like, Yeah, I won that tournament before in the past and I'm trying to win it again.

Just that little switch really helps me. That's the part that motivates me.

Q. What was it like to play in that atmosphere tonight?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: It was so awesome. I had all the feels. It was super emotional at the end. I got goosebumps walking on the court. Having the crowd cheer so long, it's just a crazy feeling. I'm so happy the tournament was able to be played.

I know they only said 5,000 people, but it looked like way more. It was really nice.

Q. What are you most pleased with when it comes to your performance tonight?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: I think it would have to be bouncing back from the second set. I honestly think that little rain delay helped a little bit because I was able to refocus. I had a longer time to do so. I think that's when things started to change. So thank you, God (smiling).

Q. In 2019 you had a lot of those tough three-set battles. Do you enjoy these types of grueling matches?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: Not so much because my goal isn't really to be on court for that long. I want to be able to stick to my game plan the whole entire match. I feel like I haven't been doing that in my matches a lot. I'm really trying to, like, switch that habit.

That comes with experience. That comes with playing matches. I haven't really been playing that many matches. I think that once the matches kind of add up, I'm going to get better at that.

I know the crowd loves it. Actually it's a love-hate relationship. My parents were probably pissing their pants, having another heart attack (smiling). It's just entertaining, too, at the same time.

I don't know. I'm sure the crowd loved it.

Q. You said at the beginning you wanted to try something else in the second set, then the momentum changed. Was there also something that changed in her game plan, in the way maybe she played?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: Yeah, she definitely started going for her shots more. She started putting more first serves in the court. She saw that I was attacking her second serve way too much. I guess that kind of, I don't know, changed something for her.

Also I think that I have to look at myself because my goal is always to get better. Sometimes I'll kind of lower my standards a little bit. I'm not trying to do that anymore. I literally want to start strong and finish strong so I don't have to have these long three-setters if possible because sometimes you can't control things. If possible, I would love a two-setter.

Q. The fans were really supportive during your match. Was there also a little bit more pressure since it's your home crowd and you're the defending champion?

BIANCA ANDREESCU: Honestly no. Definitely, like, there's always going to be pressure, but I really use it to my advantage, especially here at home. Having that crowd support really helps me.

Win or lose, I know they're always going to have my back, so that definitely relieves a lot of pressure.