US OPEN

August 31, 2021

Petra Kvitova

Press Conference

P. KVITOVA/P. Hercog

6-1, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: If you could please give us your thoughts on the match and your perspective on how you're playing right now.

PETRA KVITOVA: Well, first of all, I'm very lucky that I, you know, could play and be playing in front of fans again. It was amazing to stand out there on one of the biggest court here and played match. Kind of night session, I would say.

I think it was like pretty solid game from my side, which I think that, yeah, I played solid from the serve to return, from the baseline as well. I really enjoyed to play over there. I played Polona a few times. It's been always a big battle, so I expect tough challenge.

From the beginning, I think I was really there. First two games was kind of key, as well, to get little bit more relaxed and comfortable in the court. Yeah, it was nice afterwards.

THE MODERATOR: The difference playing with no fans over the past year and a half to now, a raucous New York crowd.

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, I think especially here. I mean, playing without the fans, it was like huge difference last year with playing like no fans. It was suddenly like so quiet and so sad.

I mean, this time it's much, much better. I just really enjoy much more. This is I think why as well we are playing tennis, for fans to be more entertainment, to feel the atmosphere, to feel the support, just heard fans to just be there.

Doesn't matter if you are winning, losing, they are always there and supporting. That's I think is really huge thing for us in tennis. Me personally, I'm just really loving it that they are back.

Q. Tonight was your 30th win at the US Open. You now have 30 match wins. That is more than anyone in the draw this year except for Victoria Azarenka. What have you learned over those 30 matches about winning in New York? What do you need to do specifically to win in New York versus the other tournaments?

PETRA KVITOVA: First of all, I mean, on an interview which I had on the court, the lady told me it's my 14th US Open. Now I have a 30 wins.

Well, it's quite a number. It's getting old, as well (smiling). But so good, I'm still here playing. I mean, US Open was never like the best Grand Slam for me. I would been always struggling since I been young. In this humidity it's really tough to play for me. Actually, me achieving this number, it's unbelievable, be honest.

I think last couple years I'm not really trying, I already found a love for this Grand Slam, as well. I kind of find what I can enjoy in New York, what I can do off the court as well. For me, the time on the court is really important, as well, not to still be thinking about the tennis.

That's why I don't like the bubble life. So now it's much, much better for me. Actually, you know, I get used to even the fans. They are just supporting like, screaming all the time. It's just something which I never been like it before. But I like it now, so that's good (smiling).