ROLAND GARROS

May 31, 2023

Clara Tauson

Press Conference

C. TAUSON/L. Fernandez

6-3, 5-7, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: We'll start with English questions for Clara.

Q. Really tough match tonight, but a really strong finish from you. What did you make of the match, and how pleased are you with your play?

CLARA TAUSON: I'm really happy, obviously. I think it was a very tough match. Even before we went on court, we knew each other so well. I'm just very happy to be through and being back playing good three-set matches.

Q. What were some of the things maybe you were telling yourself before that third set?

CLARA TAUSON: That I was the better player today, I think, even in the second set. Of course, she's a top player. I mean, she's playing great on the important moments, and I didn't sometimes.

Yeah, I just felt like I was the better player, and if I kept being consistent, I could win this match where.

Q. You talked about working your way back towards where you wanted to be. Do you feel like you're a different player in some ways now than you were maybe a few years ago?

CLARA TAUSON: I don't feel like I'm different. I feel like I'm maybe more consistent and maybe less emotional. I'm definitely more happy to just be on court and play tennis. It's what I love to do. Sometimes you take it for granted, and I don't anymore.

Q. Are there things maybe you've done in practice working your way back to become more consistent, or is it just maturity?

CLARA TAUSON: Of course, work every day to put as many balls on the court as I can and keeping my speed. I think I hit very strong, but sometimes it gets too much, and I think I showed today that I can hit strong and still put in the court.

Q. You're someone with a lot of ambitions, but even though it's only the second into the third round, it's a fairly special win. Is this something that you'll celebrate and kind of take inward?

CLARA TAUSON: Yeah, of course. It's my first time being in the third round of the French Open. I don't know what to say (laughing).