WTA FINALS

November 12, 2021

Anett Kontaveit

Press Conference

A. KONTAVEIT/K. Pliskova

6-4, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Anett, just talk about the match today and how thrilled you are to be the first player through to the semifinals here in Guadalajara.

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Of course very thrilled to be in the semifinals. Yeah, I mean, I thought I played a very good match. I think it was very important for me to be as consistent as possible. Took some time to get used to her serves.

Yeah, I felt like my game was getting better and better as the match went on.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What does it feel like for you when you're walking onto the court these days? Players have talked about getting in these streaks, feeling unbeatable. Do you walk on the court thinking, This is my day?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, I think I've really been enjoying being on court, just having a good time. I think that's been the main thing why I've been doing so well. I do feel like I can take on everyone. I never expect an easy match, I always expect it to be tough. I just try my best when I go out there.

Q. When was it that things started to click for you? Was there a match or tournament when you went to a different level?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I think each win towards the end of the year just gave me a little bit of more confidence. The balls just started rolling from I think Cleveland. I've been taking some good advice from my new coach as well. I think he's brought some good, new energy to the team as well.

I think it's just a few things, winning matches, starting to work with Dmitry as well.

Q. Shot-wise, is there a certain shot that's working for you or you feel more confident hitting?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I think, I mean, I've always had fairly good shots. I'm playing maybe with a little bit more margins. Really I think trusting myself more, I think that's the main thing.

Q. You've won the last two titles. You were the last player to qualify for the Finals. Now you are the first player. How do you feel about this important moment of your career?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Of course I'm very happy. I mean, I was really excited to even qualify for this tournament. Really tried to stay focused and focus on every match that I had coming up. I'm very happy I've managed to do that. Definitely very thrilled to be in the semifinals.

Q. After three losses to Pliskova, this is your first win against her. What was the key for today? Regarding your serve, you didn't get broken this week. How difficult is it to serve in these conditions?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I mean, I think I wasn't thinking about the fact that I was 3-Love down in previous matches. I think every time you step on the court, you have a new opportunity. The previous matches don't really matter. It's a new day and you have to beat the player you're playing against. That's how, I mean, I approach the match.

Yeah, I mean, I think with every shot here, the ball takes off a little bit. It's just trying to get used to it, play solid in your service games, not give any easy points, try to stay as focused as you can, make as many first serves as possible.

Q. What is Guadalajara gives you? You have been feeling in the city okay? You have been concentrated in your tennis. When everything finish, what do you want to celebrate?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, I'm really happy that I have my people here, some people from Estonia. I mean, my mom and my biggest supporters. Just really happy to be able to enjoy some great food and some great company, have a good time off court as well as on court.

Q. You've been playing aggressively over the last two and a half months. Is that just decision making, willingness to hit the ball bigger, flatter, go for things? Is there something technical that's changed that has allowed it?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I haven't changed anything technical, from what I know of (smiling). I think it's just really trusting my shots a little bit more, just going for it, but going for it with margins. I think that's been very important, not to go for too much, but still stay aggressive and be in charge whenever possible. When it's not possible, just stay in the rallies, be as consistent as possible.

Q. From what I can tell, seems to be a pretty big story back home for you with all the Estonian presence here in Guadalajara. Do you have any sense of that? Do you realize what a ripple you're creating back home?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I mean, there's been a lot of support from back home. Of course, there's a lot of people who are really excited. Yeah, I mean, it's great. I'm really happy that there's so many people cheering for me, watching my matches back home.

Yeah, very exciting.

Q. You will face Garbine in your next match. Talk about what you expect from that match. How different is the match, being already through, conserving energy...

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I mean, I physically feel very good. I'm just really looking forward to another challenge. I mean, everybody here is tough, so it's going to be a tough match.

I'm definitely going to give my all and fight for everything. Just hopefully play consistent, a good match. I'm really looking forward to competing again.

The crowd has been really nice and supportive. I'm just having a very good time on court. I'm really looking forward to another match.