THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 3, 2023

Veronika Kudermetova

Press Conference

V. KUDERMETOVA/K. Kanepi

7-6, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Veronika, just asking for your initial thoughts on today's performance.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yeah, of course. I'm happy to win that match, but for sure I show not my best tennis, not my best level.

But anyway, the final results, yeah, I win and I'm happy.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What were things you're happy about your game and what were difficult from Kaia's side?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Kaia, she played really well, she played very aggressive, she served really well for me. Was not easy to find the rhythm on her serve, but in the end, yeah, I found and I start to play a little bit better.

I think what was the key today, that my serve working really well, and, you know, doesn't matter what was on the court. I tried to do my best. I tried to find. This is like that today.

Q. What was the reaction to seeing the draw and knowing Kanepi has such a history of beating top-10 players and upsets at slams?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Yeah, for sure it's tough opponent for first round and even next rounds. But my goal was not to focus who stay on other side. Just to try to work and try to do my best.

Q. Because you weren't able to play here last year, were you interested, worried about what your reception would be like with the crowd? How did you find it?

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: I mean, I was happy to come back here, because, yes, last year we didn't allow to be here. But anyway, yeah, we are happy, we are happy to compete in this Grand Slam.

And the crowd was very good for me. They support. I think it doesn't matter from which country you are, we are here just a tennis player, we are here to compete and try to show our best.

Q. What's the relationship like with the Ukrainian players in the locker room?

THE MODERATOR: Move it on to tennis, if it's okay.

Q. It's important issue which has been discussed by the All England Club.

VERONIKA KUDERMETOVA: Okay, I will answer this question. I mean, I say hi to them. I say hi. Some people, they reply; some not. Like others, I just say here we are just a tennis player. It's like that.