THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 29, 2022

Maria Sakkari

Press Conference

M. SAKKARI/V. Tomova

6-4, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Maria, give us your thoughts on the match today.

MARIA SAKKARI: Yeah, I'm very happy that I got another match out of the way. I think that my performance was quite solid, better than the first round, obviously.

It was a great atmosphere on Court 1. I'm just very happy to be here another day and to play another match.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. I read an interview with you leading into Wimbledon where you were talking about you felt like you were going to be able to play well on grass, that your confidence on the surface was blossoming. How is that feeling after a couple of matches?

MARIA SAKKARI: It feels a lot better than the years before because starting early in the season, building my game, just improving my game on the grass really helped.

I think that I repeat myself and say that, I mean, my serve has improved, my entire game has been more aggressive lately. That really, really helps.

I'm just enjoying my game on the grass because there were certain people saying I could never play on the grass, but I believe that I really can because I'm a good mover, I have a good serve. As I said, I've been playing more aggressive, so I don't see why not doing well on this surface.

Q. You chipped very well today, moved forward, good hands. Is that something you've been able to work on as well? Is that what you mean by moving well?

MARIA SAKKARI: I think it's also part of the shot selection, part of the game. I believe that obviously I've been working a lot on hitting more dropshots, hitting more slices when I have to. But having, like, a clear idea on when I have to do it always helps.

I just feel like I now understand and now feel like when it's the right time to use a slice or a dropshot. I would say it's more shot selection than anything else.

Q. You play Tatjana next. You had a tight one in Melbourne earlier in the year. What sort of challenge does she throw at you?

MARIA SAKKARI: Obviously she loves the grass. She slices everything. She has a good serve. Just have to try and play my game, be very aggressive and just try to actually be as aggressive as I can. That's the key with most of the players.

It can be a very tough match because, as I said, she loves the grass. I'm just excited to get to play her again this year.