ROLAND GARROS

June 4, 2022

Lucie Havlickova

Press Conference

L. HAVLICKOVA/S. Sierra

6-3, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Congrats, Lucie. First Grand Slam title. It hasn't sank in yet, I bet. Can you speak a bit about the emotions of having won this Grand Slam.

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Well, I'm still processing the emotions. It's a lot to process.

But I feel amazing, even though I spent a million hours here on the court because I played every time three sets except today. I feel amazing (smiling).

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Congratulations. You mentioned the fatigue of playing singles and doubles. Just how difficult has it been mentally and physically to do both?

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Well, it was very tough mentally and physically. I played a lot of three sets' matches, because every time, I mean, something went wrong. So even in doubles, first two matches were in super tiebreaks, so it was physically really tough.

But there is a good chance to recover with the ice baths and everything. So I was well prepared, even though I spent a lot of time on the court.

Q. Looking at today's match, as you mentioned, your first straight-sets win for quite a while, can you talk us through your tactics for today and how that clearly paid off.

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Well, my tactics was just to go on the court and enjoy it. Because, first of all, I haven't known Sierra, because I haven't seen her play at all, actually.

I wasn't expecting anything. I just asked the other Czech girls what she was playing because they played against her. I was expecting tough match again. Again three sets, I was preparing for it, and, well, I played good, I played fast, which was what I was supposed to do.

It paid off, and it was in two sets finally (smiling).

Q. What are your kind of Roland Garros memories? Have you watched a lot of finals over the years on TV? Have you been here as a fan?

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Well, last year I was here, and I was first alternate, the first girl who haven't got in. That was quite sad. But, well, here I am today.

Yeah, I mean, it was good, because I have known the club, like, a little. So that's my memories. And yeah, we watch, every time when Nadal plays final, we watch it, yeah.

Q. Is he your tennis inspiration then? Just general tennis and sporting inspirations.

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Well, he's not my inspiration. He plays a lot different tennis than me, but he's like inspiration in what he achieved and what he's doing, he's amazing. Yeah, I think he's the best of all the time.

Q. Obviously you are a junior Grand Slam finalist now -- sorry, junior Grand Slam champion now. You know, that puts you in a list of very many players who have gone on to achieve amazing things in the game. Does that make this even more special for you, knowing that you are now a part of Roland Garros history?

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: Yeah, well, it's amazing to be part of the history, but still, it's just the beginning of something. Hoping to be bigger.

Yeah, it's really good to be in the history, but hopefully it's gonna be better some day, better history, like maybe WTA champion or something (smiling).

Q. Obviously we have spoken a lot, and there has been a lot written about how impressive the Czech girls' team is at the moment and how many good players you have. Is it competitive within the Czech team, or do you all support each other?

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: I mean, it's a person from person, because with some girls we are really good friends and we support each other in everything we do.

With some, it's just competitive. I mean, it's same -- I don't look at it as Czech girls. It's with every junior the same, I guess. With some you are friends; with some you're not. Yeah, I would say like that.

Q. Swiatek's 21. Gauff is 18. How inspiring is it to have a younger generation in the final here?

LUCIE HAVLICKOVA: It's really inspiring. I mean, she's just a year older than me and she's playing WTA Final.

She's incredible. She's amazing at what she's doing. Hopefully we will be there one day, too.