SYDNEY TENNIS CLASSIC

January 15, 2022

Aslan Karatsev

Press Conference

A. KARATSEV/D. Evans

6-3, 6-7, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Congratulations. Must feel very good to be in your fourth career final?

ASLAN KARATSEV: Thank you very much. Yeah, of course, to start the year with a final here in Australia, especially in Australia, I think is good preparation for Australian Open.

I planned to play ATP Cup and we can't. With Rublev, we got sick, and Donskoy as well. So I arrive here. We had couple days to prepare. I mean, I'm talking myself because he went to Melbourne, Rublev.

Yeah, I'm really happy with my performance to be here to play final.

Q. Beating Dan Evans, this was a tough match. You could have closed it in straight sets, but it just shows what a fighter he is to force it to three. What do you think was the positive for you in the match? What worked the best?

ASLAN KARATSEV: You know, it's not easy, especially in the beginning of the year, like to find confidence, the game, and especially against him. He doesn't give you rhythm. He change a lot the rhythm.

So I start pretty well, 5-1, and then I close the set 6-3. But, yeah, he doesn't give you free points. The moment you step on the court you have to do everything by yourself.

I tried to be more aggressive, and I slow down the rhythm in the second set. For me it was a big fight and I'm really happy with the fight experience, and yeah, I'm really happy to close the match.

Q. Looking ahead now to the final and to play Andy Murray, you have not played him before. What are your thoughts going into playing somebody like him who is a legend?

ASLAN KARATSEV: I'm not thinking about this way. I'm thinking to prepare myself for next final, next day, new match.

Yeah, I have to recover physically, mentally, and I think it's going to be good match. Yeah, that's it.

Q. Congratulations, Aslan, for your win and reaching the finals. Now, are you going to use any specific or new strategy or plan in playing finals?

ASLAN KARATSEV: I didn't speak with my coach yet, so of course there will be plan for the final against Andy. It's different plan than today.

Yeah, we have to check, I mean, the coach will check and he will give me more information tomorrow. So, yeah, I will be ready to play the final.