US OPEN

August 29, 2022

Anett Kontaveit

Press Conference

A. KONTAVEIT/J. Cristian

6-3, 6-0

THE MODERATOR: Could you talk about the win, first round, US Open.

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, first rounds are always tough. Very happy to get through that. First set I was struggling a little bit with the serve because it was really windy. I felt like the ball was just sort of going everywhere with the toss.

But, yeah, once I felt more comfortable with that, I think the light also was going from lighter from daytime to, like, dark. My eyes took a little bit of time adjusting to that.

I felt like once I found my groove, I was playing really well. I actually felt like I was rallying really well, felt the ball great. Yeah, just fought hard and I was very happy with the way I managed to finish that match.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What did you think of the conditions? Everyone is talking about how the courts are faster. Did you get that sense as well?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, well, I've had a chance to practice on these courts for quite a while now as I wasn't playing any tournaments last week. I had time to get used to it.

Yeah, I don't mind the quicker courts. It was a little bit windy today. I felt like it got a little bit calmer as the evening went on. The wind just calmed down a little bit.

But, yeah, in the beginning it was tricky because it was kind of circling. There was not like a wind from a certain side or from anywhere particular.

Q. Do the courts suit your game more than last year?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I mean, I'm not sure. I think it's tough to compare also. I wouldn't think the courts are completely different.

But, yeah, I mean, last year I lost a tough match against Iga, she played really well. I don't know if the courts would be better this year or not.

Q. The next match, you'll be facing Serena. What are your thoughts on that?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I'm really excited. I was really rooting for her to win today. I've never played against her. I mean, this is the last chance. Better late than never (smiling).

But, yeah, I'm really excited. I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing. I'm really looking forward to it. I think it's going to be one of those matches this year that I haven't had too many where I just have no pressure on me. I'll just get to enjoy and play as good as I can on the day.

Q. You're the No. 2 seed here, playing Serena, likely on Ashe at night. You'll go into it with the mindset that you're the underdog?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Absolutely. Yeah, I mean, I'm going to fight as hard as I can for every point. I'm really going to enjoy the atmosphere being out there against the greatest player of all time. I think it's such a great opportunity.

I'm really excited, really looking forward to it.

Q. What do you expect from the matchup from a tennis perspective, your game against Serena's game at this point...

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Well, she hits the ball really hard and she has such great hands so she can direct it anywhere. I'll just have to be ready for really hard hitting, some heavy serving. Just play very consistent and fight very hard, play a consistent match. I think that's how I'm going to approach it.

Q. Do you have a favorite memory of Serena, seeing her on the tour, when you were growing up...

ANETT KONTAVEIT: I think I just remember her always fighting, her always fist pumping, always being so intense on the court, which is I think great. The matches are so competitive. She's just always there. She's always fighting. She's always giving 100%.

Q. In general, talking again on Serena, how does it feel to be at this tournament with all of the swirl of everything around her? How much do you think you'll be able to block out the biggest stadium in the world shaking? Quite a different challenge than you normally get.

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Well, yeah, but like I said, I don't feel like there is any pressure on me on the results or anything. I'm just going to take it as a real unique experience. I'm not sure if I'll ever experience something like this again. I think it's a special moment for her.

Really happy to get to play against her on this court, I'm sure at night in her element.