AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 16, 2023

Olivia Gadecki

Press Conference

O. GADECKI/P. Kudermetova

7-5, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, everyone. Olivia, congratulations on a great win. Just tell us about how you're feeling on court today.

OLIVIA GADECKI: Thank you. Thanks for having me. Yeah, kind of looking back at my match, it kind of seems like a blur, to be honest, but I'm just really excited to get the win and really excited to get to play again on Wednesday.

THE MODERATOR: Hands up for questions, please.

Q. Olivia, can we get you to describe that feeling straight after the match when fans are asking you for selfies, and you immediately become a national hero in a lot of ways? What's that like at your age to experience that?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Gee, I don't even think I can put it into words, but I think, you know, I've dreamt about it my whole life, and to really live it is just a whole other feeling.

Q. Olivia, you won 81% of points when you hit your first serve today. How long has it been since you served so well, or what did it feel like coming off of the racket today?

OLIVIA GADECKI: My serve is one of my greatest strengths, so to have that when I'm feeling a little bit nervous or anxious out there is always something I really, really like. So, yeah.

Q. You obviously are doing it for the win, but you also get a pretty tidy pay result. Anything special you're going to purchase?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Oh, look, I didn't even think about the payment, to be honest. I've just kind of taken the win with -- you know, my family is here, and my mom has put in a lot of time and sacrifice and dedication into my career and, I mean, money can't buy that. So I'm really just happy we can share that moment together.

Q. It would be about $160,000, maybe more if you keep going. Can you talk about how it might set up your year as well as maybe buying yourself a little present or something like that? How can it set up your year going forward?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Wow, okay, my year. In a way, like, it doesn't really change the way I go about my career. It just gives me a little bit of a safety net, which is really important when it comes to being an athlete. Just having that security and knowing you don't have to rely on doing well each and every week to be able to find yourself.

And, you know, the help from Tennis Australia is just amazing. I've been so lucky to be able to be supported by Tennis Australia, especially Craig, since I was very young. Without them, I wouldn't be here right now, so thank you.

Q. There's obviously been a lot made of the Ash Barty connection, which I'm sure you've read and seen, but when have you heard from her, and can we get you to talk about the sort of influence she's had on your career so far?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, she sent me a text after my match, which really meant a lot. But I'm sure everyone kind of knows she's always been in my corner, and I'm so lucky to have her. Whenever I need advice or anything, I'm always able to contact her, yeah.

Q. Is it just a simple text? Can you tell us what she said?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I mean, some things I would like to keep to myself (laughing).

Q. Pretty big crowd out there. How much does that sort of egg you on when you are out there or spur you on to the win?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, the crowd was amazing today. I feel like in the past I've kind of kept to myself a bit. Today I just wanted to kind of let them in and really embrace the crowd.

It's such a once-in-a-lifetime sort of moment. So, yeah, I'm really thankful for the crowd. They got me over the line.

Q. Progressing past the first round of a Grand Slam, what does that do for your confidence as an athlete?

OLIVIA GADECKI: It's such a confidence booster making the second round of a slam. It's just an amazing achievement, but I definitely believe that I can do more, and I'm really looking forward to my next round.

Q. On your mom, you mentioned her before, and I saw the reaction that you both had after the match. Talk to us about that relationship and just how much her guidance and her support means to you.

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, my mom means so much to me. I look up to her in every sort of way, and without her -- she's another person that without her, like, I wouldn't be here today. So I'm just eternally grateful for her time and sacrifice, like I said. To get to share this moment with her is really special.

Q. Last year you made a very difficult decision not to get vaccinated at a time when there was a lot of social and political pressure on people to get vaccinated. It cost you a lot in this the short-term in terms of your tennis opportunities. Walk us through that decision and why that was so -- you know, you made the decision and why it was important to you at the time.

OLIVIA GADECKI: Look, there's not really much to discuss. I made a decision, and at the end of the day I'm here playing at the Australian Open. I'm really looking forward to my next match, and yeah.

Q. How much of a relief is it for all that stuff -- because now it just doesn't matter. Whatever people's vaccinated status is, that's their own personal information, if you like. There's no sort of public interest in us knowing. How much of that is it a relief to have that all in the rearview mirror in terms of that focus on that side of things?

OLIVIA GADECKI: At the end of the day it's definitely a relief, but it's also -- I knew what my decision entailed, and I totally respect everyone's opinion and personal choice. Yeah, like I said, I'm just grateful to be here.

Q. Can we ask you about your second round opponent? Have you had a chance to look and see who it is yet?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I think it's Marta Kostyuk.

Q. What do you know about her, and what are your thoughts on that match?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I know she's a great player, and it's just another great opportunity to go out there and test my level and really enjoy the battle.

Q. What about having all the passionate supporters from Queensland?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, being a Queenslander, I don't think there's anything better, so I'll definitely take all the support I've been getting from them.

THE MODERATOR: Thanks, everyone.

OLIVIA GADECKI: Thank you.