THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 3, 2022

Marie Bouzkova

Press Conference

M. BOUZKOVA/C. Garcia

7-5, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Marie, initial thoughts on today's match.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Yeah, just amazing feeling to be in the quarterfinals. Just enjoy the moment from the first ball to last. Just try to embrace every single emotion today. Super happy.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You said on court that you don't really know how you kind of got here. I'm guessing this was massively unexpected to get to the last eight at Wimbledon.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Yeah, I mean, for sure. If you would tell me before the tournament started I would be in the quarters, I probably wouldn't believe you. Always try to take it match by match. Since first match has been really tough journey for me.

I have been feeling really many emotions. Yeah, just to be now in the quarters, it's something very special for me. I'm just, like, really proud right now that I've been able to handle everything the way I have and just enjoy the moment.

Q. Did the sort of low expectations come because of the French? COVID, quick turnaround to recover.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: No, not really. I felt really good after I got negative again. Just had actually a really good training block at home. So I've actually been feeling really well physically after COVID in Paris.

So was just more about getting used to the grass, making a quick switch. But I think I was able to do that. I always like to play on grass. I just know it takes a few days, maybe one or two matches, to get used to it, to make some small changes in the surface.

I think as I've been playing on it more and more, just really taking it all in and playing on the grass.

Q. For people who are not yet familiar with you and your game, how would you describe it?

MARIE BOUZKOVA: I think all-court game. I can defend a lot of balls. I also try to be aggressive whenever I get the chance. Just try to be consistent, fight for every ball.

Sometimes when I get -- I look forward as well to be aggressive, use my serve, take the ball early. I guess just an all-court player.

Q. Now that you're in the quarterfinals, how would you describe the opportunity that you have?

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Well, just can't really think about that right now. Just an hour ago I just finished the match.

Yeah, obviously really, really happy, really looking forward to the next round. It's going to be a special one again, for sure. There's no reason why not to keep this going.

Kind of believing in myself right now. But most importantly enjoying my tennis, enjoying every day here. All these new emotions that I'm feeling this week, that's already very special for me.

Yeah, I just going to go all out again in the quarterfinals.

Q. What players from the past or the present would you most compare yourself with or perhaps describe as players you've tried to be like?

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Well, I always maybe get a mix of players that I try to be like. Maybe as consistent as Simona Halep maybe. I know my idol is Serena. Obviously can't compare to her and what she's done.

If there's two players that I would try to get a mix of in my game, would be these two for sure.

Q. Talking of Serena, it was last week when you played.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Yes.

Q. Ons could be your quarterfinal opponent, as well.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Yeah, I know Ons. I know really well. Really nice girl. Her playing with Serena was a very fun match. Yeah, it was just very nice to be on the court with both of them.

Yeah, Serena is just amazing, all the things that she's accomplished. I love her game. Yeah, I'm just really happy that she's around us. And hopefully she'll come back even stronger.

Yeah, just really special to be around her. At the same time like she is, see her, how she's doing all the things. Trying to be like her, honestly.

Q. If it isn't Ons, it could be Elise. It will be an overdue meeting between yourselves.

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Honestly, I haven't played against Elise for a really long time. I think we played in juniors the last time. Obviously really good player. Always so tough to play against her. She's very consistent on any surface.

So, yeah, I'll look forward whoever wins and try to get ready for that.

Q. If it is Ons, what are your thoughts about her style of game and how yours matches up with her?

MARIE BOUZKOVA: Yeah, I think Ons is one of the most talented on the tour. She can basically do anything, mix up the game so well. Many dropshots. Her game is really fun.

Obviously I'll be there to make a lot of balls back, try to play my game, as well. I'll try to be aggressive. Yeah, Ons is tricky to play for sure on grass with all the spins that she can do.

Yeah, we'll see who's going to take the win there.