US OPEN

September 12, 2021

Yui Kamiji

Press Conference

D. de GROOT/Y. Kamiji

6-3, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Can you just give us your thoughts on the match.

YUI KAMIJI: I think we know each other. We played many times before. We know how to play each other. Also just played in the final at the Paralympics Games.

Yeah, she's toughest opponent I think. She has strengths, like she's smart. It's a little bit difficult for me to make a game.

Today I tried to keep on pressure on her. Sometimes worked, but I think it's not enough to lead the game.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What are your thoughts on what Diede was able to achieve with the Golden Slam?

YUI KAMIJI: I think she changed a lot for few years. I played her for third place in the Paralympic Games. Just after that year she changed, like, how to practice. She always on the court until late. Like everyone go home.

Before she had many mistakes, but she started to control herself. Yeah, I think I also changed from Rio. The Paralympic Games going to change because it's really big for us.

I think Grand Slam also, but it's four years each, so more like experienced. We can't have that experience every year. Yeah, she played well now.

Q. How proud are you of the last two weeks? A big two weeks with home Paralympics, lighting the flame, the medals. How do you sum up your last two weeks?

YUI KAMIJI: Yeah, I'm really honored to be the light flame of light. But it's different that more as athlete to play the competition. I'm happy that I could make final and I got silver, which is better than last time. I really, really wanted to got gold medal, of course, especially my home country.

Also I watched singles match. It was, like, amazing. I imagine if I could that. So, yeah, just really enjoyed because I met many people. Even if it's no spectators, but still feeling like many people cheering for us, watching us on TV or Internet.

Yeah, I'm really honored.