“How do you feel after this victory (against Karolina Muchova, 6-4, 7-5)?
It was a difficult match. There were a lot of emotional challenges in this match. But I think I managed to stay focused. I’m really proud of myself today.
How difficult was it to manage this 50-minute interruption (three environmental activists disrupted the semi-final)?
It was a little difficult, because it wasn’t a classic interruption. We didn’t know how long it was going to take. We spoke to the supervisor and security. They told us that the delay could be five minutes or an hour. It was difficult to know what attitude to adopt. After ten minutes of waiting in the locker room, I decided to change and eat a bar.
“I don’t go on social media and listen to people who think I can or I can’t”
What do you think of such a demonstration on environmental injustice in the semi-finals of the US Open?
I really believe in climate change. I believe in it 100%. I think there are things we can improve. I know tournaments are taking steps to improve the environment. Would I have preferred this not to have happened during my match? 100% yes. I’m not going to sit here and lie (smile). But it’s like that. I had a feeling that was going to happen in this tournament. It happened at Roland Garros, it happened at Wimbledon. I just hoped it wouldn’t be in my match… But I wasn’t mad at the protesters. I know the stadium was because it interrupted the show. It was done peacefully, so I can’t get too upset. If that’s what they felt they had to do to make themselves heard, I can’t really be offended.
About the Roland-Garros final last year (lost to Iga Swiatek), you said that you didn’t believe in yourself at the time. Can you tell us about the evolution of your self-confidence?
This time I focused more on myself and what I expected of myself. I don’t go on social media and listen to people who think I can or I can’t. I truly believe that I now have the maturity and ability to do this. You know, regardless of what happens on Saturday, I’m very proud of how I’ve handled these last few weeks.
On the ground, you said: “The work is not yet finished.” Was that a reference to Kobe Bryant?
Quite. He had an incredible mentality. Whatever lead he had, he didn’t celebrate. He congratulated himself, but it was time to move on. This is the mentality I have. I try to enjoy the present moment while knowing that I still have work to do. The finale is an incredible achievement, but it’s something I’m not yet satisfied with. »
2023-09-08 06:02:18
#Coco #Gauff #qualified #Open #final #work
