QATAR TOTAL ENERGIES OPEN

February 23, 2022

Anett Kontaveit

Press Conference

A. KONTAVEIT/E. Mertens

6-3, 0-6, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Well done today. Just talk us through the match and also how you're feeling after your great run in St. Petersburg a couple of weeks ago.

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, I think the win in St. Pete definitely gave me some confidence, and I'm feeling pretty good on the court.

It was a very tough match today. I think Elise is a very tricky opponent for me to play against. I haven't had a good record against her, so I was really happy with the way I managed to fight, especially in the third set. I felt like, you know, after losing the second set 6-Love I really had to, you know, sort of elevate my level and just play more solid and just do better than I did in the second set.

I felt like I managed to do that, and I fought really well. I was very pleased with the third set.

THE MODERATOR: Looking ahead to the quarterfinals tomorrow, you could face either Ons Jabeur or Tereza Martincova. Your thoughts on either of those potential matchups?

ANETT KONTAVEIT: Yeah, Ons, we have played each other quite a few times, so if she happens to win, then it's going to be a very tough match. Yeah, I'm really glad actually to see her back playing after she retired against me in Sydney. She had these back issues. I'm very happy to see her back on the court.

She's a really great person. Yeah, it's always tough to play someone you're good friends with. Yeah, I think I have a lot of respect for her as a person, as well, so I'm ready for the fight and it's just going to be an interesting match. I think she's a great shot maker and just always plays an entertaining match. It's going to be fun.

If Tereza wins, I don't know if I have played against her, maybe a long time ago. She's been having really good results lately, and she's definitely improving. I think, you know, at this stage of a big tournament it's going to be a tough match.