DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 19, 2022

Veronika Kudermetova

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Press Conference

J. OSTAPENKO/V. Kudermetova

6-0,6-4

THE MODERATOR: Are you able to talk us through that match.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I think Jelena, she play very well today. She play very aggressive from the beginning of the match. She don't give me, like, easy mistakes. She play only winners.

I think I can play better, but I don't know why. I think today is not my day. I didn't find my game. I don't know what to say now (smiling).

Q. In the second set you fought back, had the break. How important for you was it to find any momentum? Did you feel if the match had gone a little bit longer, you would have found your rhythm more?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yes, yes, yes. I mean, from the beginning of the second set I tried to play more balls inside of the court. I tried to, like, fight. I tried to show my emotion. I mean, I tried to do everything. I don't know.

Also I beat a lot of good players. It was very emotional for me. Maybe I was not ready, like, mentally for that final today. But I hope I can take a lesson from that final and next time I will do better.

Q. You mentioned your wins this week, Muguruza, Azarenka, Teichmann. How much does that do for your confidence? What did this week mean to you?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Of course, it's means a lot. Last year and this year. I mean, when I play in Australia, I lost against Halep, I lost against Sakkari, the top players. I think that matches, I don't show my game, I don't show my emotions. From that tournament I start to believing more that I can beat them.

I mean, I deserved it because I work hard every day. These wins give me a lot of confidence. I start to think that I can be like top.

Q. A lot of people have made their name here at the start of the season, then gone on to have a great season. Do you think reaching the final here can spur you on to a great season ahead?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I hope so. But I think it's more important that I play really good from the beginning of the first match, first round. I mean, I showed a great game. It's more important that I play final here.

If I will continue to work and play like this, I think I will win more tournaments.

Q. When she comes out and plays that kind of a game where she's swinging, really taking everything in her path, what are you thinking and what are you looking for to try to push the door open? You said you tried to show emotion, do various things. What is the one thing you're looking from the other side, of course outside of her missing?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: You mean this match?

Q. Yes, against a player like Ostapenko.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I don't know. Like I say before, I think this week was so emotional for me. Today maybe mentally I was not ready for hundred percent. I try to show my emotion, but it's not working today. I tried to push. I tried to do everything, but it's not works.

Q. You made the final in Abu Dhabi and here. Is there something about the conditions here, the desert air? The ball flies a bit. Do the conditions particularly suit you here?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I don't think so. I mean, no, I don't think. I don't think so.

Q. You have the doubles final coming up now. Does this motivate you more? How will you control your emotions to perform in the next final?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Of course, it's motivate me now. I lose the final. I have another final. I mean, if I want to be a champion or I want to be a top player, I need to forego this final and keep working on the next final. It's very important. It's like step forward.

Q. Have you ever faced a doubles finalist that you've just played in a singles final in a major tournament?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I mean, I think it's the first time in my career (smiling).

Q. Is it going to be strange to go back out there after you've been doing the trophy ceremony?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: No, I mean, I will try to do my best and we will see.

Q. Are you playing with Elise for the whole season?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yes.