AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 27, 2022

Shingo Kunieda

Press Conference

S. KUNIEDA/A. Hewett

7-5, 3-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: What does it feel like to have this trophy in your hands?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: Yes, amazing. This week I played no good tennis until this morning. I came in court, it was changed. I played really good, my best tennis in my career, especially final set, yeah.

I cannot tell how did I do. Very amazing, yeah.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Third set Shingo, did you surprise even yourself how good you were in the third set?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: I cannot describe how I did because I think I had (indiscernible) more than I had. I had my power. I really cannot remember what I did (smiling).

I want to watch video later. I want to confirm what I did.

Q. Talk about the feeling, the fifth championship point, the lob had gone long, you realized you'd won your 11th Australian Open singles title?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: Yeah, Alfie played good in match point many times. But he always do that. It was scary for me. But I have to push him all the time. That's all. That's all. I was thinking about it, yeah.

Q. Your rivalry with Alfie is nice. You push each other.

SHINGO KUNIEDA: Yes, I think so. I don't want to defense against him. I want to attack him always. That's my tactics today.

Q. How are you feeling physically? Obviously last week you had to retire from the Melbourne Open. Are you feeling physically okay?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: Very tired. Yes, I'm feeling about my age now. Yes, three tournament in a row, it was tough for me. But I push myself today. Pushed a lot to me, so it was a power for me.

Q. What was the reason for you having to retire from the Melbourne Open final?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: It was very tight on my back. I don't want play anymore for AO.

Q. You have won 47 Grand Slam titles. What it mean to you to get to 50?

SHINGO KUNIEDA: Yes, hope so. No, I want to take rest first, yeah.