INTERNAZIONALI BNL D'ITALIA

May 19, 2023

Veronika Kudermetova

Press Conference

A. KALININA/V. Kudermetova

7-5, 5-7, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Veronika, disappointing result, but a great two weeks for you. How are you feeling right now?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Of course I feel sad. That match was important for me because, I mean, it's the semis. I play semis in Madrid. I play semis here. I would like to play final.

Unfortunately I'm lost today. Of course, I am sad.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Despite the result of today, you manage to go to Roland Garros with semifinal here, semifinal in Madrid. I'm wondering if it's just outdoor clay or something after a few months without results?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I mean, I always love to play on the clay. I mean, I think the clay one of my favorite surface. I mean, yes, I struggle a lot this year. I lose a lot of matches.

But, I mean, I try to work every day. I try to improve. This is the result what I did, like, every day.

Q. In the third set it seemed like physically, I don't know if you were cramping or tired in the legs. Can you talk about what you had to fight through in the third set.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I think Anhelina, she started to play little bit more aggressive than me. She decide to go through it, to play aggressive. This make difference in the final set.

Q. How are the relations between you and her? You're the same age, but there's the political overtones. Do you two get along now?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I mean, here we're athletes. We're here, and we love what we do here. Doesn't matter from which country you are. We're athletes and that's it. We are here to play tennis.

Q. About where your confidence levels are now going into Roland Garros, given what you've done, how are you feeling? It seems like a tough loss, but do you feel you could be a contender in Paris?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I hope. I hope. We never know. For everyone, the Grand Slam, it's very important. But I try to stay calm and try to do my best (smiling).

Q. I saw you with a book on the chair. Can you explain what are you reading?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: This is the secret. This is my book (laughter).