THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 3, 2023

Liudmila Samsonova

Press Conference

A. BOGDAN/L. Samsonova

7-6, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: How did you find the conditions out there today?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: It was a little bit cold today, so the ball was not going so fast. But it's always nice to play here. I was very happy to stay here and play.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What were you expecting, having not being able to play here last year? The crowd seemed to really enjoy watching you play and seemed like a very happy occasion. Wonder if that's how it felt to you. What did you expect it to be like?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: You know, I didn't think about this. Like I was just thinking to go out and play and to try my best. But I was not thinking about the crowd, seriously.

Q. Along those lines, what is it like in the changing rooms with the Ukrainian players and yourselves? Talking, friendly? It's the first time it's been at Wimbledon. That's why I ask.

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: I don't have any problem with them. I'm always like happy, smiling, and saying hi.

For me, nothing. I have no problem.

Q. Will they say hi back or does that depend?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: Depends.

Q. If I could ask you to go back a year and tell us what your thoughts were when it was announced Russian and Belarusian players would not be allowed to play at Wimbledon? Then what was your reaction this year when that decision was reversed to allow you to come?

LIUDMILA SAMSONOVA: I think for everyone of my country or Belarus players for last year was tough to accept this. But after this announcement, I made my best comeback maybe of all my career. So I can say I was very, very focused on the work.

But this year, when they said that we were able to play, it was amazing. So happy.