THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

June 29, 2022

Ryan Peniston

Press Conference

S. JOHNSON/R. Peniston

6-3, 6-2, 6-4

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

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, I fought during the match, and Stevie was just, yeah, too good for me today. And, yeah, he definitely deserved to win.

But, yeah, I'm very happy with the last few weeks on the grass. It's been an amazing experience.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Was there anything tactically that Johnson did, unlike other opponents, that frustrated you more? Looking back on the last few weeks, how will you take that into the rest of the season?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, he's a tricky player, and he's obviously made fourth round here before, so he knows his way around the grass court.

Yeah, he served really well today. He just played, yeah, too good for me.

I'll definitely take, yeah, the last few weeks on the grass forward and with a lot of confidence. Hopefully, yeah, I'll be able to push on for the rest of the year.

Q. Just wondering how important is it for you now to try to get more experience not only at Grand Slams but the ATP in general?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, I think huge. I've kind of got a little taste for it now after last few weeks. Yeah, definitely want more. Yeah, hopefully I can get some more matches on the ATP Tour under my belt. Yeah, especially Grand Slams as well. There's nothing like playing the Grand Slams.

Q. I know you're disappointed with today, where do the last couple of days rank in your tennis career and in your life?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, last two days has been unbelievable. Definitely up there in my tennis career. I think just the last five weeks have kind of been like the best five weeks of my life really.

Can't really explain how good it's been. I think after this tournament it might finally set in a little bit. Yeah, be really good to look back on these five weeks.

Q. You've spoken previously about having cancer as a baby, how that's made you tougher. What does that actually mean?

RYAN PENISTON: Sorry, what was the question?

Q. When you spoke previously about having cancer as a baby, what did that mean, that you're much tougher these days?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, it was a pretty tough experience to go through as a kid and for my family. I think, yeah, it gives me a lot of strength. I feel like it's definitely made me tougher on the tennis court 'cause sometimes you can think things aren't going that well, you can get down on yourself. When you put things into perspective, it's not so bad.

Yeah, there are definitely some tough things to go through. Other people are going through a lot tougher things. Yeah, it puts things into perspective.

Q. You've got the doubles now. Is that a good thing or a bad thing that that's not taking place today?

RYAN PENISTON: I was pretty surprised. I just saw it just now actually, saw that it was moved to tomorrow. I think it's probably a good thing. Gives me a little bit more rest and a little more time to get my tactics and focus a little bit more on it.

Alastair has got his singles tomorrow. Hopefully he can get the win there and we can get a win in doubles. It would have nice.

Q. The last sort of few tournaments that you've had must show that you belong in these kind of tournaments.

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, it's given me huge confidence. Like I said, I had the kind of belief before, but now it just kind of cements it in my mind. Yeah, I feel very, very high in confidence at the moment, especially after last few weeks.

Yeah, looking forward to taking it into the rest of the year.

Q. Have you anything in mind for your winnings from this tournament, any treat for yourself?

RYAN PENISTON: Nothing in particular (smiling). Trying to start some savings, I think. Yeah, maybe think about the future.

But, no, nothing special.

Q. Wanted to talk about your condition as a child, as well, if I could. You learnt to cope with that. Does that teach you to cope with losses like what you've experienced today? Is that the lessons you've learnt with coping with something so serious as that? Is your plan to come back stronger next Wimbledon?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, for sure. Like, obviously I want to win matches, trying to win every point, trying my fullest.

But, yeah, when I come off with a loss, I'm pretty down on myself. When I get time to reflect, it's not so bad. Yeah, obviously my experience as a kid I think helps with that.

Yeah, I definitely want to win. Losing feels pretty terrible, but not as bad as some things.

Q. What are your next targets for the future?

RYAN PENISTON: Yeah, I mean, I'd love to play all of the Grand Slams, all main draw in the Grand Slams. That would be great. Yeah, to crack top hundred, higher, would be amazing. Some more boxes to tick, yeah.