ROLAND GARROS

May 28, 2023

Elise Mertens

Press Conference

E. MERTENS/V. Hruncakova

6-1, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: What are you most happy about your win today?

ELISE MERTENS: That I won today (laughing). That's the thing I can be most happy about because as everybody saw, it was not my best match of the year.

But it's a Grand Slam, and a win is a win, and I take everything with me that I can. I've got two days to work, so it can only go better from there.

I knew I was maybe not going to be ready on Sunday because I had to take a few days off, but it can only go better, and I feel like I'm someone who can grow into matches. I can grow into tournaments. I proved that in the past already, especially in Grand Slams. I look at the positive side.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. The score was 6-1, 6-4, but it wasn't that easy. Even in the first set when you had an opportunity for 6-0, the rallies were difficult. What was complicated today?

ELISE MERTENS: Well, today it was very complicated. Service, for example, I didn't have the feeling. I wasn't there.

Now, I believe that in two days I'll be better. I've only been here for two or three days. For the feeling, you know, it wasn't really there, but I won. I was ready to fight, and sometimes the first tour comes up, and it's just not the right day for you, but I won. That's the thing that's most important.

Q. You said you didn't have the feeling there. What will you remember, take away from this match, the mental aspect? Sometimes it's interesting to win when you didn't feel you were okay.

ELISE MERTENS: Yes, absolutely. Maybe it wasn't as good as I wanted it, but I was there. I was able to fight. I didn't panic because I know that sometimes I can panic, but it was experience.

I feel I didn't play well, but I did well, and I won. I'm getting to the second round. I have two days ahead of me, so it will be great.

Q. So it's a good thing to start on Sunday?

ELISE MERTENS: Yes, if you win.