AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 21, 2022

Barbora Krejcikova

Press Conference

B. KREJCIKOVA/J. Ostapenko

2-6, 6-4, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: You were down a set and a break. That win must feel pretty good. Talk us through it.

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: I feel really proud with the way how I was able to handle the match even I was losing and I was really down.

The match was very difficult. Yeah, I mean, I'm really happy that I was able to find a way how to use my chances and how to win it at the end.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You seemed to be having difficulty with the sun. Was it particularly difficult today or was there a psychological thing in your own head?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: No, I mean, there was the sun. When I toss the ball, I was actually hitting the sun. I mean, it was really difficult to toss today.

Q. How do you feel about the way you are seen by other players as a Grand Slam singles champion?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Well, I hope they are scared of me (smiling). But, I mean, I don't really know. I think in the locker room we have a really respectful atmosphere, each of us. I mean, I hope they see me that they don't want to play me.

Yeah, but, I mean, I don't really know. I think it's really not a question for me. It's a question for other players.

Q. When you're down a set and a break, were you making any adjustments?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Well, like I knew that some point I'm going to get a chance. Now it's just to wait for a chance, try to convert it.

I mean, during the match I was just pretty much saying to myself, Just keep going, just try to stay close, try to hold your serve, try to play.

I mean, yeah, that was something that I was saying to myself. Yeah, I mean, playing Rod Laver in singles, it's very special, a very special match. I was just telling to myself, Try to stay here as long as you can.

Q. When you finally got the first break of serve in the second set, did that settle things down for you?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: I cannot really say because I don't really remember much of it right now.

I mean, it was really good for me that I was able to break her, then to hold the serve, then finally I got closer with the games, it started to be more like 50/50, so yeah.

Q. Looking ahead to facing Vika, she was in here a little while ago, she had some very nice things to say about your rise, your match in Ostrava being quite high quality. Talk about the prospect of facing a two-time champion and what you expect?

BARBORA KREJCIKOVA: Playing Vika, it's very special. It's unique. It's a unique situation. I'm really happy that I'm going to be able to face her again and see where my level is right now.

I mean, I really admire her. I really, yeah, I mean, like the way she plays. I remember when I was a junior here and she was playing, she was actually winning the titles. Yeah, I mean, I spent a lot of time watching her on TV.

Now having the chance to play against her, you telling me she has nice words about me, I mean, it feels really, really, really nice. Yeah, I mean, I'm looking forward for this challenge, for this battle.

It was also one of the things that I was thinking about during the match. Okay, you got to work harder so you can play Vika.

Yeah, I mean, I feel really, really honored that I am going to play with her on the same court against her. I think it's going to be a great match.