ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL

January 6, 2023

Irina-Camelia Begu

Press Conference

I. BEGU/V. Kudermetova

7-5, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on your victory today, another win over a seeded opponent. Can you give us your thoughts on the match, please.

IRINA-CAMELIA BEGU: Yeah, sure. I think it was a solid match from the beginning to the start. She was three up in the first set, but still, I think every game and every ball was like a fighting game, let's say.

I mean, it was a good match from my side. I'm happy with the win.

Q. In terms of getting these quality wins in the manner in which you have, especially in the last two rounds, what do you think has been the key, and what do you take out of getting those two wins?

IRINA-CAMELIA BEGU: Obviously a lot of confidence, since it's the start of the year. It's always tough coming from home where it's cold and from indoor, so you have to adapt here.

I knew for me it's the second time here, but it was when the pandemic was, so I knew the court and the site, so it was a good choice to come here and to play.

As I said, it's a lot of confidence, and also winning against the top players, it's something that you work for.

Q. Obviously Ostapenko and Kudermetova, they like to hit the big ball but they're different. What do you think has been the key to getting the wins in terms of just maybe your patience in rallies, or have you been able to impose your game? What do you think has been the difference?

IRINA-CAMELIA BEGU: Well, I've been working really hard in the off-season on the physical condition, my body, getting more strong. I think I was able to move good, and in the same time, to play good tactic, just to play more spin. Here the court is helping me a lot. I was serving good. All like the good variation was I think part of the match. Yeah, for both of them.

Q. Looking ahead, you'll play another powerful player in Aryna. Can you talk about the challenge of playing her, and do you think the matches you've had already in Adelaide prepare you well for her as an opponent?

IRINA-CAMELIA BEGU: Yeah, for sure. As you said, they are strong players. They are hitting hard, so I have to stay low. I have to move good and of course to play with a lot of variation.

I've played against Aryna last year in Miami, so I know how she's playing. She's a very good player. She's top 10 for a couple of years already. I'm expecting a difficult one.

But it's a semifinal, and it's a big tournament, so I have to adapt and I have to take these challenges.