THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 30, 2022

Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove

Press Conference

I. SWIATEK/L. Pattinama Kerkhove

6-4, 4-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Initial thoughts on today's game, if you would.

LESLEY PATTINAMA KERKHOVE: Yeah, I played a really good match. I wouldn't think it would be that close in the beginning, like before the match, but I'm really happy I got that close, and yeah, actually could win the match. I'm really proud of myself.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. If you're trying to describe to someone who has never had to play her, what is it like to play her? How would you describe it?

LESLEY PATTINAMA KERKHOVE: I mean, yeah, like when I hear that I had to play against her, I was, like, Okay, I hope to get some games, because I know she's like playing finals and winning 6-Love, 6-1, beating everyone.

So I was just, like, Okay, go for it. Just every point, every ball. I had to do it. When she's like attacking, it's so tough to take the points to defend against her. So my goal was just like go for every shot, go for every ball, and play aggressive. I did. Actually, it worked well.

Q. Is it this constant pressure coming from the other side that you have to deal with?

LESLEY PATTINAMA KERKHOVE: I mean, yes. She's a really good defender, really good attacker, good server, good returner, complete game.

So, yeah, you feel the pressure, you have to do every point, you have to do something. I tried.

Yeah, I think I played my best tennis today.

Q. So if we were to try to figure out what distinguishes her, as every player is a little different from every other, it's the total?

LESLEY PATTINAMA KERKHOVE: Yeah, it's the total. Also for me I think it was the best surface to play against her, on grass. I think clay is much different against her.

So I was happy to play for the first time against her on grass, so I think that was advantage for me.