ROLAND GARROS

May 30, 2024

Paula Badosa

Press Conference

P. BADOSA/Y. Putintseva

4-6, 6-1, 7-5

THE MODERATOR: Paula, congratulations. Talk us through the match. What are your feelings on your performance today?

PAULA BADOSA: Yeah, I'm happy about the performance. I think it was a very tricky match. She's a very competitive player, so I was expecting a tough battle. Really happy I got through it and really looking forward for the next one.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. There is a special moderator in the room attending a news conference (referring to Stefanos Tsitsipas).

PAULA BADOSA: I knew it was coming. (Laughter.)

Q. Just wanted to ask, in terms of being with someone, spending a lot of time with someone who does the same thing you do, do you find that that's helpful for your tennis in any way? How much maybe do the two of you talk about tennis, give each other advice, ask for advice from each other?

PAULA BADOSA: We do, and I think it's really positive. I always say that, like, sharing all this journey with somebody that you love and that he's so good in what he does, he inspires me so much, I learn a lot from him. We talk about, of course, like maybe today that I had my match, yesterday night we were talking about it, he gives me his vision, some tips, and it helps me, of course.

So I'm really grateful to have someone like him by my side. Also now, the next few days, I don't know when we're going to play the mixed doubles, so also sharing the court with him, I think it makes it even more special.

Q. On playing Aryna next, can you describe to us how close you two are and how much of a bright light she is in your life and her personality and that sort of thing?

PAULA BADOSA: Yeah, she has a big personality, good girl, always bringing this good energy, even on court. So you can see a very active, very intense player.

I'm really looking forward for that match. I think the last time it finished in a sad way, so I learned a lot from that match also. I think it was a very good one from both sides. I know what I'm going to find from her side Saturday. I know how I have to play against her. So, yeah, I think it's going to be fun.

Of course sharing the court with her after all these results she's doing and all this is a pleasure for me, because, you know, this past year hasn't been easy. So playing these kind of matches, it makes it all worth it, you know.

Q. Not so much here specifically necessarily, but in general around the tour, do you think it's important that fans remain quiet during points, not make noise except between the points or after a game? Do you find it distracting if they do or when you see other sports, whether it's football or basketball or whatever, you think, okay, in those sports people make a lot of noise, it's okay for us to have that too in tennis?

PAULA BADOSA: But was this an issue these days? There's been an issue?

Q. Iga, after that great match against Osaka last night --

PAULA BADOSA: Oh.

Q. -- spoke to the fans during...

PAULA BADOSA: I think she cannot complain, because I played Court 8 and 9 and you can hear everything. Like, I can hear Suzanne Lenglen, Philippe Chatrier, Court 6, 7 during the points. I think she's very lucky she can play all the time on Philippe Chatrier and she's okay with that.

But I don't mind. As I said, I played in small courts these days, and I was hearing so much noise. In that moment, I'm just so focused on myself and on my match that it doesn't really bother me.

Honestly, I like when the fans cheer and all this. I think I get pumped. Look, we had a very tough situation years ago when we were playing without fans with the COVID situation, so now, for me, I'm so happy they're back and I think they're very important for our sport.