AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 22, 2023

Magda Linette

Press Conference

M. LINETTE/E. Alexandrova

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Magda, congratulations on reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time. What does it mean to you?

MAGDA LINETTE: It means a lot. I mean, it took me so long to get here. I had to play some really great tennis, and I played really well today. It took me so many tough experiences along the way. So, I mean, now it feels it really was worth it.

THE MODERATOR: It got a little tighter towards the end there. What were you telling yourself?

MAGDA LINETTE: Well, she had really nothing to lose at the end, so she played some really good tennis. She was returning so much better.

And then after I lost my one break, I was just, like, just thinking about being more solid to give her a little bit tougher job winning points. Already in the game on 5-4 I already did that, so I felt I was back in the rally.

And then it was just a little bit up to how well can I serve? When it was 30-All, I really stepped up. I was glad that the serve kind of helped me at that moment.

THE MODERATOR: What are your thoughts on playing Caroline Garcia for a place in the quarterfinals?

MAGDA LINETTE: Really tough, right? She has amazing last year and really good the beginning of this one.

So, obviously, completely different player. Like, she plays really different, really aggressive. It's not much return. Just really one-two shots, and that's all.

So it will be just very different, but different difficult because it will be no rhythm and I'll really need to stay focused and keep swinging because any hesitation she'll punish.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Magda, first off, fourth round at a Grand Slam. You've been a really solid player for a long time, but have you been surprised by your run here at Melbourne Park at all?

MAGDA LINETTE: No, not really. Not surprised. I've already beaten Anett before and Ekaterina before. So I knew what I can do. I knew the draw was really difficult.

I've been playing really well the end of the last year, and at the beginning of this one at the United Cup I played a couple of really solid matches. So not surprised, but really happy and proud that I maintain my consistency really.

Q. As you said, you've been in great form, and I've often thought too that your abilities probably are better than what your ranking is, so you must be really pleased to show that you are fulfilling that potential at the moment.

MAGDA LINETTE: Yeah, it feels great because when you work so hard for so many years and you are so close so many times in so many Grand Slams, it's really great that eventually you get that reward.

Q. What has changed? Has it been belief or something else over the last year or two?

MAGDA LINETTE: I mean, a lot has changed for me personally. So I think a lot has to do with a little bit of my personal life that I've become a little bit more independent. That's the first thing.

Second, I think I'm looking at things a little bit different. I'm older. I'm more experienced, and I just calm down a bit. Emotionally I'm maybe finally growing up a little bit. When I'm down, I'm not that dramatic about it. And I can, like, still keep fighting against my opponent, not only myself.

Q. Iga's success and domination the last couple of years, how much has that driven you?

MAGDA LINETTE: I've really separated myself because she has done so much. So much, you know. She's so much ahead of me that I'm not really comparing myself in any way because it's just being too far away for now.

But I think in general in Poland for tennis and for exposure of tennis and for me that is helping that people are just more interested in tennis as a sport in Poland because it never has been that really popular.

So I think she has done so much for tennis in Poland, and by just coincidence that is helping me as well because just people are watching more. They are more interested.

I think, you know, more people are coming for my matches as well because of it.

Q. As touched on too, obviously, Caroline Garcia next, and one of the form players of the tour, but you must feel your level at the moment is good enough to beat her.

MAGDA LINETTE: Yeah, definitely. I've practiced with her a couple of times. I'm quite friendly with her, so I know her quite well.

She had amazing, like, the end of last year. I think that I will just need to bring my very consistent tennis and just keep swinging really because she will not give me anything if I won't do my job.

I think I'm ready. I know how she plays, and it will be a little bit what we can do on the court on that day. So I will just try to bring my best.