ROLAND GARROS

May 26, 2022

Alize Cornet

Press Conference

A. CORNET/J. Ostapenko

6-0, 1-6, 6-3

Q. Talk us through the match.

ALIZE CORNET: In the first set she made many mistakes and I was very solid. In the second she broke me immediately, and she was freed up. When Jelena starts hitting, it's very hard, although physically I gave it my all. I didn't find any solutions. I fought back in the third set. I put back intensity.

And it was a great show for the audience and was fantastic. It was one of my greatest memories in Roland Garros. I played a lot of Roland Garros, but I have never had such an atmosphere.

Q. Can you talk about this night session? It's the first time you were playing at night here at Roland Garros. Did it change something? We saw the band that was playing music. There was a particular atmosphere in this session.

ALIZE CORNET: Absolutely. When I entered the court, I didn't expect so many people. I was pleasantly surprised, and they were so fired up. From the first till the last point they didn't stop supporting me, they carried me. In the third it made the difference because my opponent was a bit annoyed and it gave me a lot of energy.

As a first experience in the night session, it was just fabulous. I didn't expect that. So I'm a fulfilled woman tonight and a fulfilled player.

Q. Jelena blocked her ears because she was upset by the sound. Was it impressive?

ALIZE CORNET: Yes, it's impressive. When you say all these people were here to support me, I had shivers in my body, and almost tears in my eyes of emotion. So it's true when people start supporting you it's like an arena, and sound level is very high.

Poor opponent, it was difficult for her. That's the advantage when you're a French player and the audience is there to support you and push you forward.

Q. Abroad it can even be more difficult because some people say that sometimes lack of respect, as Alex de Minaur said. Is it even worse abroad or is it worse here or not?

ALIZE CORNET: The French audience is quite harsh, so it's better to have it on your side than against you. They boo easily. They upset players, and when the crowd is not on your side, it can be very tough.

But disrespectful, I don't think so because each time a player is in his or her country they have the crowd support. Tonight they didn't put any pressure on me. It gave me additional energy, and it's exactly what I needed.

Q. I see you're stretching, you had maybe something on your adductor or in your thigh. Are you okay?

ALIZE CORNET: It will be better when I will have ended the press conference. My adductor is always on the fine line, and I gave it all on this match. I ran a lot to do the additional stroke to win the match, and sometimes it was a bit harsh, because I'm no longer 20 years old. But at my age I'm surprised. I still have good athletic qualities, and on this match it made a real difference.