THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 6, 2022

Ajla Tomljanovic

Press Conference

E. RYBAKINA/A. Tomljanovic

4-6, 6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Ajla, tough one out there. Give us your thoughts on that match.

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: Yeah, it was a bit disappointing 'cause I felt like I played a really good first set. Actually one of the cleanest sets I've played all tournament.

I felt like the middle of that second she definitely raised her level. I mean, she started serving really, really good. And just less errors from the back.

I'm a little disappointed with the fact that I didn't stay with her close in the third. Once it got to Love-3, 1-4, it's really tough. I tried to fight my way back. It was too far gone. I mean, that 3-5 game, again, she served crazy good.

Yeah, just disappointed because I felt like with my game I was really there.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Sorry to start on this subject. You were in a relationship with Nick Kyrgios for some time. You're aware of the allegations that have been made, investigated by the police in Australia. What was your experience of being in a relationship with him?

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: I'm not really aware of exactly what's being said about whatever his past relationship and the allegations. I don't know what it is.

Q. He's been summonsed for domestic violence against a former partner to a court in Canberra.

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: It's been a while since our relationship ended. Obviously I've always kept my relationship very private. I would like to keep it like that. I'm definitely against domestic violence. I hope it gets resolved.

But, yeah, I mean, I haven't had that experience with him.

Q. Looking at the tournament in totality, is it a missed opportunity? Quarters are a good result, but a tough opponent today.

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: Yeah, I'm really proud of the fact that I managed to play back-to-back quarters. I think that's something that I'll be proud of no matter what.

But a bit of a different feeling than last year just because I really felt like I was in this match. I came in really believing that I could win, where maybe that wasn't the case last year. That's what's just extra disappointing.

But the good thing is that I'm playing good tennis, and I don't see why I can't put myself out there again in the next slam or whenever.

Yeah, I definitely think it's been a step forward, and I can just build off of that.

Q. (Question regarding the rankings.)

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: I mean, look, the only reason why I'm just a little bummed out about the points is maybe there's more thinking.

For example, I entered the next two events in Budapest and Palermo. I don't like chasing points. I entered that just because if I had gone down early here, I would have played because I felt hungry and ready to play.

I would need a break now, and my body just needs a bit of a rest. It's been a really long season in Europe. In the back of my mind I know that if I just keep playing well, my ranking's going to take care of itself. Also I don't like to see my number slipping that low or high, however you look at it.

But, honestly, making the quarters, that's what matters to me. I don't play for the points. It's for moments like what I just had on Centre Court -- I mean, on Court 1. Not quite Centre. Even the match against Alize and Barbora. Every match so far at Wimby, the points are just something that happens, but it's okay.

Q. Jason Kubler, when he won here, he was just ecstatic that the winnings could pay for a physio and a coach. Where will you direct your winnings towards?

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: Good question. Maybe a little gift for myself (smiling).

Last year, I mean, I played quarters, and I didn't get myself anything. I said at some point this year, I was like, You know what, the next big result I have I'm going to get myself something nice, whatever I want.

The thing is, once I do it, now I'm thinking, Why would I? I don't know. I don't like spending huge amounts of money. I don't know.

But if something catches my eye, I'll definitely get it. Jewelry is the place I go to. That's like my thing. Then bags, as well, and shoes.

Yeah, I don't know. We'll see. But I'll probably be boring and like invest it or something (smiling).

Q. Now that you have gone deep at Wimbledon, how does that change your schedule?

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: Well, actually I haven't even talked to my team. I definitely don't think next week is happening for me in Budapest. It wouldn't be smart. Chasing points has never paid off for me.

But at the same time I don't know, what do I do? Do I just start the hard court season? Do I stay a week extra in Europe, play the next one? I don't know. It's up in the air.

I definitely would like ideally just maybe a week off, then have a good block of training, then start the hard court season. That would be ideal. So maybe that.

Q. You said you were more disappointed coming off court because you felt you were in this match compared to last year. In the long-term, will you actually be more boosted by the fact you played a really good, close match in a Wimbledon quarterfinal?

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: I mean, yes and no, because in the end the outcome is the same: I lost. I never like losing. But I think the biggest thing it does is just for my confidence and my belief when I step on the court.

The biggest difference was that I came on Court 1 and I played against a player that is really good. I didn't get maybe intimidated by her high level and I didn't back down. I didn't start questioning, Can I keep up? Which last year that was the case against Ash. When I got down, I was like, Oh, there's no way I can get myself out of that. Today that wasn't the case. That's huge for me.

I'm going to find myself playing the top players again soon. It's about problem solving out there. You can't problem solve if you don't believe, so...

Q. You were talking about your friendship with Chrissie. Has she sent you a pick-me-up message?

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC: She hasn't texted me yet. She did send me a message this morning. She has this gift of always sending me a message that is keeping me really grounded, engaged, but still relaxed.

She wished me luck, but reminded me that this is my time and I can win this match, that this is a big occasion for my opponent as well, not to feel like I'm the underdog, which I called myself. That I just need to believe that I belong there.

She always adds that she loves me, which is the best way to end the message. I know she'll be there no matter the outcome. She's probably going to give me a little bit to, you know, just cool off and probably give me a call at some point.