NATIONAL BANK OPEN

August 11, 2022

Qinwen Zheng

Press Conference

Q. ZHENG/B. Andreescu

7-5, 5-7, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Questions?

Q. Can you just talk us through the mentality that you had into the third set. Bianca was playing really well. What were you focused on in specific about your tennis in the third set to make sure that you came out a winner tonight?

QINWEN ZHENG: Yeah, you know, actually I think in the second set I really got lot of chance in her service game. But, you know, it was tough to make the break.

And actually I think both of us we play our best tennis at third set. In third set the crowd, they were like shouting a lot. I was leading and, you know, it's 30-Love and I served two double faults in a row. Well that's hard for me because such an important game, last set. But at the end I am happy that I got through the pressure and to get this match.

It was really tough. Especially everybody were supporting Andreescu, which is normal. Well, it's a lot of emotion tonight.

Q. You alluded to it, but crowd was obviously cheering for Bianca. Is that a distraction? Does it make it harder for you to play your game?

QINWEN ZHENG: Actually this is not hurt that they support Bianca. Because this is normal. I'm playing here in Canada.

Which I don't like is some of the crowd they are like screaming between my first serve and second serve. That's where it affect me a little bit.

But I think it's my self that I have to improve that. This is normal, you know. The crowd give tennis a lot of energy and I like that. And the crowd give both of us lot of power. So I should do it better, yeah.

Q. In terms of that ability to get through this match and to handle maybe a little bit, the disappointment of the second set. You've had instances in the past where there were three-setters that maybe you didn't play the third set very well. What did you learn from those experiences? I'm thinking of the Leylah match in Monterrey. That was a real tough one. But what did you learn from those matches that helped you today?

QINWEN ZHENG: You know, every match I lost is experience. You know I lost against a player I shouldn't have lost sometimes. And that makes me lot of painful.

And when I can't go back. I think a lot. And that experience is beautiful, this moment, that I was able to win tonight this match in front of all the crowd that were supporting Andreescu.

And, yeah, which is not easy. But let's see what happens, yeah. I always has to continue like that.

Q. You'll turn around and play another top player in Pliskova. How well do you know her game and what do you think will be the challenge of playing her?

QINWEN ZHENG: I know that she has a really big serve. Which is not easy. Because, you know, when the player get easy with her serve, maybe there is not like too much rally.

And I think it's really important that tomorrow I am able to level up my serve and more percentage. Tomorrow will be tough match, an interesting match. And I would like to challenge myself once again.

Q. So for a lot of Chinese players obviously they start with the association, they start with the federation. But for you you've kind of moved and you have your own coaching team and you have a really, really great group of people around you. So I want to ask you about that group and what they have really brought to your game and kind of helped you to reach that next level that you were searching for at this stage of your career.

QINWEN ZHENG: Yes, my team always being help me a lot. Like build me as good player, top player in the mentality side. Also off the court.

You know, I always been like hard worker. I like to play a lot of tennis. And sometimes I even do it too much. And it's good my team was there. They know how to tell me the right moment to stop, when is the moment to continue. And I think it's so important to find this balance between work hard. Because if you work too much you will get injured.

That's happened to me in the clay season. Everyone knows that I have a wrist injury. So I cannot appears in some of the tournaments.

So now for this experience I learn better. And I think it's so important to take care of the body, yeah.

Q. How much of it is a goal for you to be seeded at the US Open? Is that something you are thinking about at all or do you care?

QINWEN ZHENG: I don't care, actually. Like, you know, my philosophy is that it doesn't matter the opponent in front of me. Just give my best and try to win, yes.

Q. You had some really close matches this year, including at the French losing to Swiatek, losing to Rybakina at Wimbledon. Does this feel like one of the big, big moments for you in your career?

QINWEN ZHENG: Yes. You know, in French Open was okay because not for my body issues. I couldn't give my best effort on court.

But the loss at Wimbledon against Rybakina was really painful for me. Because I remember that I had a break point at 5-All. And she did a second serve, but I just missed that point so easily.

So inside of my head I was thinking that me, I give her that match. It's like I, and then when she won the champion always like I congratulate her, for sure, because she deserved that.

But it's like me, I should get this match. And it's me, I give this champion to her.

And yes, I, yes, I know it's not good to say this, but I was really, really pissed about myself for that match.

And when I go back I think a lot, I write a lot. And, yeah, all is experience, you know. In tennis we have a lot of to learn and I hope I can do it better and better.

Q. I know you have to play tomorrow, but when you have a match where there's a lot of expectation or you're very happy what's a way that you like to celebrate or you like to treat yourself after a big win?

QINWEN ZHENG: Be normal. Yes. Be normal. Just because we still have matches tomorrow. It's not the end. So just be normal. Tomorrow is another fight. Yes.

Q. What about at the end of the week? What are you going to do?

QINWEN ZHENG: Well, I only like to celebrate when I win the tournament, you know. Yes. (Smiling.)

If not, I was feeling sad. I don't want to go nowhere. And, yeah, I am like this. Like I treat the tennis like so important for me. Yeah.