US OPEN

September 2, 2021

Petra Kvitova

Press Conference

P. KVITOVA/Kr. Pliskova

7-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Could you just give us your thoughts on the match and your level of play through the first week of the tournament, a successful week for you.

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, so far. Thank you. Yeah, it was difficult match today, for sure, playing fellow Czech player.

I lost her last time when we play in Charleston. I knew it would be tough one, especially when she's serving really big, which she did, actually. I think it was a little bit like (indiscernible) match especially in the first set. I'm glad that I was able to win the tiebreak, for sure. That was the key for whole match afterwards.

I mean, yeah, it was really about the serve and fewer returns which we gonna put it in. It was a bit windy, as well, with the shadow going into the court. A lot of tough conditions today out there. Happy that I served well, and that the serve helped me a lot in the match.

I think even from the baseline I think I play quite solid game.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. After your last match, you talked about how you're more comfortable in New York now, you've embraced the tournament's atmosphere, and you enjoy your time off court in New York more. You suggested that's helping you in your matches. Can you talk a little bit more about that? What do you like about New York? What are you enjoying about being in a city?

PETRA KVITOVA: Well, I think that over those years when I'm getting older, I just enjoy shopping a little bit more (smiling).

Q. Is that what you do on your day off?

PETRA KVITOVA: Actually, I did, but just a little bit yesterday. I didn't hit. Actually, we expected tough rain yesterday, which it came in the end of the day. But I didn't come here at all, so I just did some fitness.

I mean, I just been walking and resting a little bit. I had to pull out from Cincinnati because of the health issue, so I was still trying to get energy back. Yeah, actually it was worth for today's match, for sure.

As well I like walking in Central Park. Just turn off a little bit my mental side of it, and not think too much about the tennis.

Q. Do you feel like your level is higher this year than it was in previous years?

PETRA KVITOVA: Well, I mean, it's my (indiscernible) which I already know, and I don't think this is the best one so far. I think that I did have good years when I was playing very well from the first rounds.

I do remember I played I think Alize Cornet. I'm not sure it was the first or second round. I played Caroline Garcia on Ashe. That was the same year.

Yeah, I think it's one of them, but I don't think it's the best so far.