DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

February 25, 2023

Veronika Kudermetova

Liudmila Samsonova

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium

Press Conference

KUDERMETOVA-SAMSONOVA/J. Chan-L. Chan

6-4, 6-7, 10-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Your thoughts immediately after winning?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: For me it's first time, so what I can think? It's crazy maybe (smiling).

We just start to play with Veronika together this year. We had some amazing results during the Fed Cup. But it's amazing what we did today. So proud of us.

Q. Playing doubles is fun to watch. How much fun did you have on court?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: We have fun, and nervous also. Look at the second set. It was a lot of up and downs. But we managed to win this final. We are so happy.

We played the finals, a super tiebreak, amazing, without mistake, ace, winners. We're so happy about this trophy.

Q. What about the ambience out here? It is a family atmosphere? Do you think that helped motivate?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: For sure.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: A lot of fans from our country, they are support us here. We feel it. We miss that atmosphere. I mean, it's really help us.

We're so happy to feel a lot of people today. Especially yesterday.

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: Cheering for us.

Q. What are your plans going into the season? Play together?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yes (laughter).

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: We will try.

Q. You stick together, playing together?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: Yeah, yeah, of course. We will try.

Q. Any goals for the season? Besides winning as many trophies? Slams or anything?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: No.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: We just need to focus for our teamwork and not to keep improving singles than doubles. Doesn't matter. We try to be better Veronika, better Luda every day.

I think if we improve, we will win many titles together.

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: That's our goal.

Q. Do you have anything to say about your opponents?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: I think the best fact of them was that they were there every point, every moment. We were feeling this. They're a really good game, yeah.

Q. What do you think you did better than them to win this match?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I think we believe more in ourself. We play more aggressive than our opponent. I think today we have better serve than our opponent.

Q. How are you going to celebrate?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: You said cocktail, no (smiling)?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Some drinks maybe.

Q. Veronika, same story as last year but with a different partner. How does it feel to defend the title here?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: It's always nice to defend a title, especially here in Dubai because this is a big tournament, big event. Especially with Luda, we just start to play together. We feel really good atmosphere in our team. I mean, I'm enjoy to play with her.

Today, I mean, it was pretty - how to say - cute and nice to be there, to win like this.

Q. Would you rather defend the title with Liudmila next year or are you looking for another partner?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: Why you ask so early? The year, it's long (laughter).

Q. Any places you'd like to visit in Dubai before you leave?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: Many things. I would like to visit, but I have the flight tomorrow morning. I would like to, yes.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I stay here a few more days. I have appointment for the visa. What I want to visit? Maybe some shopping mall. I don't know. Burj Khalifa.

I've been a lot of times already in Dubai. I think I already watch everything here.

Q. You are applying for a golden visa?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I already have.

Q. On the back of winning last year?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yes.