ROLAND GARROS

May 22, 2022

Kristina Mladenovic

Press Conference

L. FERNANDEZ/K. Mladenovic

6-0, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: (No microphone.)

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Well, you summarized well. When you have a set point, you believe in it. But it was just not sufficient.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in French.

Q. In the first set you seemed to be having a void, your eyes were sort of empty. Did you have a problem?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: No, it took me some time to adjust to the conditions. It was the first time I had played with the lights on on the Lenglen, so I had to adjust. But at that level when you make a slight mistake it means a big difference, and it was a huge mistake and that makes a difference on paper.

I tried to remain calm, to look for a solution, and to do better. I improved in the second set, but not sufficiently.

Q. How can you explain the complicated beginning of the season, especially in the singles games?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Well, I didn't play much, I didn't have a normal season. To say briefly, I had a few physical problems and I'm doing better, I'm improving, I'm on the right track. I won't go into details.

Q. Did you feel any good feelings in the second set?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Yes, I saw an improvement. I can say that I've been competitive just over the past few weeks. Whether it be physically or tennis level, I've become competitive again since Madrid, and I see positive points in each match, despite the results.

But it takes time, you have to build the process, you have to be consistent, and play games, sets, and matches at a time.

Q. We saw once again that the quality of your game is based a lot on the quality of your service. You had ups and downs today. Can you explain it?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Well, yes, the physical problems I was mentioning is my shoulder, so this is why.

Q. You really got the support from the public on the Lenglen, you're one of the most popular French players. Did that help you or can have that a reverse impact and sort of stress you?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Well, both, but honestly I take it at a positive level. They have been extraordinary. These are incredible atmosphere. It's extremely moving to feel that support, despite the difficulty of the match, of the result, and the difficult period in which I am. I didn't enter the court as a favorite, and it's great to feel this support.

I believe that this year is somewhat of a normal French Open. We didn't have this feeling over the past two years. So it's good to renew with some normality and even though I didn't succeed today, I really enjoyed the moment, I wanted it to last longer. Unfortunately, well, I missed one or two points and because of that I didn't get to a third set.

But, it will be for next time and I thank the public for this great atmosphere through you.

Q. I guess you have some hopes for the doubles, you won the mixed double in the Australian Open. What do you feel?

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC: Well, I don't really know. Playing doubles always comes second, despite my exceptional results. I don't even know if I'm going to play in this mixed double. I have to see with my staff for the women's double.

I will play with Caroline. But let's say that both of us are returning to the matches. She too had physical issues, so we both have to work to restore and renew with our good tennis level.