ROLAND GARROS

May 25, 2026

Emerson Jones

Press Conference

I. SWIATEK/E. Jones

6-1, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: Emerson, bad luck today. Can you still talk us through your match, the conditions, how you felt on court?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, firstly, it was so great to step out on that court in front of that many people against Iga. Yeah, I think I played the way I should. I tried my best. Yeah, I'm pretty happy with how I played and how professional I tried to be.

Obviously there's a lot of gaps that need to be filled, but I'm really excited to see where this takes me.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What did it feel like being out on court today? Now you've had the experience of playing two major winners in Rybakina and now Swiatek. What does that feel like? Are you able to explain how important the experience is for you?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, I mean, it's pretty tough to see getting them first round in a Grand Slam. Yeah, I think it's also really special, though, to get to play them at a young age.

I mean, not many 17-year-olds get to say they've played both of them, so it's pretty special. Also, really tough when you're out there.

But, yeah, I think getting to see the level, like, when I'm so young, I think it's really great. Definitely to learn a lot of things and, you know, when I come up against them next, I'll be more prepared in how they play.

Q. Sliding is such a big differentiator on clay. Have you grown up kind of watching any of the biggest sliders, and have they helped you in your movement?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, I mean, clay has never been my best surface. I haven't really practiced on it that much at all my whole life.

I think I was a bit -- it was a bit slippery out there for me. I even fell over once. I think definitely watching all the women who grew up on clay slide and how they move, it is a big thing on the clay obviously.

I think I've got to watch and learn a bit as well how to move on the clay like they do.

Q. Emerson, what was your favorite moment of the day? I loved that inside/out forehand when you broke back. That must have been a great moment?

EMERSON JONES: I was probably going to say that. At the start of the first set and the second set when I was a bit close, it was pretty exciting. Got a bit of belief there for a second, but yeah, I think I played pretty well. I played the best I could. Even just in front of the crowd on that court, I'm Australian, I'm 17, I'm playing on that court. I mean, it's really exciting, so yeah.

Q. What is your biggest takeaway in terms of how close you are or how far from where you want to be?

EMERSON JONES: I'm obviously a way off from these women, the top women, like Iga and Rybakina, Sabalenka, all of them. Yeah, I think it's pretty exciting to see all the gaps in my game, like, when I play them. You know, I've got a lot of movement and strength to get better, you know, shot selection.

I think, yeah, it is exciting to see what I can do to make myself better.

Q. Emerson, there aren't a lot of other Aussie young women in sort of your age cohort. I'm sort of curious, what has it been like to be sort of tapped as the one to be getting these wild cards, to sort of be coming along kind of on your own at this point?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, I mean, it's special. I don't take it for granted. I think it is really special.

Yeah, I think I have worked really hard, though, and earnt it. It's not too lonely. I have a lot of Aussie women. The girls are so good to me, like Ajla. Ajla was up last night trying to help me watch the tennis on some random website.

You know, they're all really supportive of me. Yeah, I don't think it's too lonely, but for me being 17 and being the only 17-year-old or under 18, it is really special to me I think, yeah.

Q. Having played Rybakina and now Swiatek, what's the difference between the two of them? Who did you find tougher? Who was more daunting? Who do you enjoy coming up against?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, they both play completely different. Rybakina just smacks you off the court, and Iga, with how heavy her ball is, it's super hard.

Rybakina was a lot bigger, so I was, like, oh, gosh, she's really tall. No, they were both very, very great.

Yeah, I mean, it's tricky coming up against someone like that when you haven't played many top women.

But yeah, for belief, I think I just got to keep believing. It's great that I get to play them now so later on I can be, like, believe a bit more.

Q. What's next for you, Emerson? What's the plans from here?

EMERSON JONES: I'm going to go, I think, to the U.K. tomorrow, maybe, I'm not sure. I'm playing Birmingham and Ilkley and then Wimbledon quallies.

I'm restricted on how many tournaments I can play because I'm 17, so I think when that really frees up and I turn 18, just after Wimbledon, I can play whatever I want. So I'm really excited for that.

Q. Of the top Aussie girls, Ajla, Maya, and Daria, they're all sort of being raised in other countries, do you feel like in terms of Australia producing its own women players that there's something more that could or should be done?

EMERSON JONES: Yeah, there are a few international girls that have come to Australia. I think, you know, like Talia, though, Talia is born and bred Australia. Taylah Preston, me. I think we're all -- we're all making our way up.

But, yeah, I think, you know, I don't really know what to say to that (laughing).

Q. I just wonder whether Iga actually had a word with you afterwards or said anything to you to encourage you at the end of that?

EMERSON JONES: I think it was just, like, good game or something. To be honest, she's probably focusing on matches next, so I don't think she'd be really giving me advice or anything (laughing).

Q. A great experience?

EMERSON JONES: A great experience. Yeah, I had a lot of fun. Thank you.