AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 11, 2025

Olivia Gadecki

Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Olivia, how are you feeling ahead of your home Grand Slam, especially after you've been in Adelaide?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, I'm feeling really good. I've had the last couple of days to practice. I've still got a few more until I play.

Yeah, I've had a really good lead-in, couple of tournaments. I played United Cup, and Adelaide last week. I was able to get a couple of matches.

Yeah, I'm feeling really good and ready to go.

THE MODERATOR: You're playing on Monday, so you have an extra day. How do you feel about having another one to prepare and rest?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, really good. We'll just have a hit tomorrow, strike a few, then get going.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. There is a desire in this country for another great Aussie tennis player. How much of an inspiration was Ash? Is there pressure for you to be that person?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, I mean, Ash was an incredible player. We've got a lot to strive towards. I wouldn't say it's any pressure. She's always there for us Aussie girls. She always takes her time to talk to us.

If anything, we've got really good footsteps to follow, which is very exciting. We have a lot of top women players right now. Yeah, if we can do something with that, that would be great.

Q. Do you talk a lot? Do you support all the young players coming through?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, I definitely would say we do support each other. I feel like we don't really see much of each other because we're always traveling. The only time is maybe during pre-season or the Aussie summer.

Yeah, I think we make the most of that.

Q. Looking ahead maybe past the Australian Open, how are you feeling generally about the rest of the season?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I'm really excited for the season ahead. To get to start in Oz is quite exciting. I don't feel like there's any better way to start the year.

Yeah, I'm just really looking forward to what's to come.

Q. It's challenging because all the events are played a long way from home. How do you find that juggling being away for long stretches?

OLIVIA GADECKI: Yeah, it's a tough one. I feel like everyone is quite different, so we all have different ways to sort of cope with that, whether that be having a base overseas or coming back a couple times a year to see family and friends.

I personally decided to move to London, to base myself out of there. My coach is from there. I think it's been a massive help for me personally to cope with all that.

Yeah, I get to see my family every now and again. It's not easy, but it's just part of what we do.

Q. Whereabouts in London are you?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I'm in Southfields.

Q. Who do you see as your greatest rival in the competition?

OLIVIA GADECKI: My greatest rival?

Q. Who are you looking forward to challenging?

OLIVIA GADECKI: I would say all the girls are rivals in a way. Yeah, I would say every match is something to look forward to. At this level, every match is going to be tough. It's going to be competitive. It's always exciting.

There's no one really that I would say I, yeah, would love to play. I would love to play them all, yeah.

Q. Your prep for competition?

OLIVIA GADECKI: My prep? I would say I'm pretty chill. I like to practice quite a bit up until probably the day before where I back off and just hit once. Yeah, I like to spend time with family when they're here, get outside of tennis, do things. Yeah, quite relaxed, I would say.