PORSCHE TENNIS GRAND PRIX

April 16, 2025

Magdalena Frech

Press Conference

M. FRECH/S. Errani

7-5, 4-6, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Magda, just talk us through that incredible match and all the changes in momentum and how you felt like you got through it in the end.

MAGDALENA FRECH: Yeah, of course it was a lot of emotions, especially when I was, like, on the five of losing streak.

Yeah, it was really important match for me. I had 5-2 in the first set, I had everything under control, and then Sara started playing really well. She mixed a lot, changed her rhythm, and it's really tough to play my game, especially if she's playing topspin from forehand and slice, dropshots. She can play actually everything.

So, yeah, it was really tough. Actually, I don't know how I won this match, because it was maybe one, two ball on my side, and that's all.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. In a long match like that, how difficult is it to keep your focus?

MAGDALENA FRECH: Yeah, of course I didn't show any emotions in the third set, because I was really tired. Yeah, I knew I have to stay calm in my head. I need to, like, try to play my game, try to build action.

Yeah, I really wanted to play more winners, but it's really difficult, especially here on the clay court. It was also my first match, so was a little bit tricky.

Yeah, but I'm really happy I stayed calm, and I was focused, like, on every ball. I won it from 2-5 in the tiebreak.

Q. Sara is 37 now, but she's as tough as ever, isn't she?

MAGDALENA FRECH: Yeah, of course. Age doesn't matter. So she's still in the shape. She's playing the doubles. She won Olympics on the clay court.

So she's still, like, in a good form. Of course she's playing week by week. Yeah, for sure she has a lot of experience. It's always tough to play against player like this.

Q. Just a general question. If you like probably to play more a player like Sara who can slice and dropshot the way you try to do, or you can find, I don't know, more enjoyable maybe to have some big hitter like Aryna Sabalenka?

MAGDALENA FRECH: Yeah, but it's totally different match against Aryna and against Sara, because she doesn't hit like Aryna.

But for sure she's mixing a lot. She's a good runner. She's playing a lot of dropshots, especially from the return. So, yeah, it's really tough to play on the clay court against a player like this.

Q. I asked you, because this morning I saw the practice. You were practicing with Jasmine Paolini, which is also a bit different from Sara. I wonder if you thought about preparing for the match or you were just, like, thinking about warming up?

MAGDALENA FRECH: No, no, I was only thinking about the warming up. It was not tactic (smiling). Yeah.

Q. Do you have a goal for this year? You nearly made the top 20 last year. Do you think that's possible this year, or would Grand Slams be a particular focus for you?

MAGDALENA FRECH: Yeah, for sure. The main goal is to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal, because I was in the fourth round of the Australian Open, so I know I can be there, I can play in the quarterfinals. So that's my first and main goal for this year.

I'm seeded in the Grand Slams, so it's always, let's say, maybe easier, because you're not playing with the higher-ranking players in the first three rounds.

Yeah, I think I will try to focus on the Grand Slams. I don't have a lot of points to defend till Wimbledon, so for sure I will try to build from this.

Q. Which Grand Slam do you think gives you the best chance?

MAGDALENA FRECH: I don't know. It depends. I changed my game a little bit, so I hope in Roland Garros and Wimbledon I can make better results.

I lost last year in the first round in all three Grand Slams, so I don't have any points to defend there. Yeah, I will try to play my best and prepare for the important matches. I will try to build (smiling).