BNP PARIBAS OPEN

October 12, 2021

Angelique Kerber

Press Conference

A. KERBER/A. Tomljanovic

6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Can you give us a quick overview on your match.

ANGELIQUE KERBER: Yeah, I mean, it was a tough match actually. I played well in the first set. She came back. It was really a close first set at the end. The second set was as well really tough. I mean, even the score was a little bit not like really close, but every single game was, yeah, a tough battle.

I was just trying, you know, to being aggressive, taking my chances. I'm happy to be through and being in the next round here.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Did you find anything different tonight or something about the match that you think will set you up well for your next match?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: It was important that I be aggressive and that I hit the balls, but on the other side bringing a lot of balls back.

I think the key for me was to being defensive but on the other side when I have the chances going down the line or going through with my forehand, with my backhand, hitting the ball.

Yeah, I think that was the game plan, and I think that I did a good job to make it the transition on the match then.

Q. Everybody is talking about how slow the courts have been. Did it seem particularly slow tonight?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: It is really slow. I mean, I don't know if it's bad or if it's good. I think it depends how type of player you are.

Yeah, I mean, the conditions are every day a little bit different. Yesterday it was really windy, then tonight was slow. It's amazing, it's so hot here and dry, so you never know what happen, what's the next challenge the next day. I think for everyone it's the same. For me it's fine.

Q. You face Badosa next. Talk about the challenge of that.

ANGELIQUE KERBER: I never played against her. It's our first head-to-head. I know she played really well this year. She hits hard. On the other side she moves well, has a good serve.

I think it's more again, you know, to focusing on my game, yeah, just playing good tennis again, going for my shots, and let's see what happen. It's always a challenge if you play first time against someone you never played.

Q. Does it feel any different to have the tournament in the fall or does it feel the same?

ANGELIQUE KERBER: I think it feels the same. For me sometimes it's a little bit tricky because I still think after here we go to Miami (smiling). I have to say that because I'm always like, Okay, what's next? If I'm out there, then let's focusing for Miami.

I had the situation already three times I think. This is the only thing which is just a little bit different to the normal schedule of this tournament. But everything else is the same.