Player Quotes August 1st
Elena Dementieva Post-Match Quotes
On playing Venus and Serena…
“They are two different players with two different games. I don’t have a good history against Venus. I think she’s one of the toughest players on the tour. It’s always tough to play against her. I think today she was playing very solid – just too good.”
On her play in the Bank of the West Classic…
“I played much better [at the end] than my first round. I felt calm. I was improving every single match. But today she was playing too good for me. Too powerful on the baseline. Very solid first serve. Overpowering.”
On preparing for the U.S. Open…
“I think it will be very important to play good in the Cincinnati tournament and have some good matches against top players like Venus and the rest of the Top 10, just to get used to this kind of game. When it comes to the U.S. Open it is all about confidence and just trying to get ready.”
Venus Williams Quotes During Press Conference
On today’s match…
“I felt my best games were the last two. Before I felt like I was making too many errors but I was still winning the games. I was able to get in a better rhythm and I felt clean up my game a little more and stop making some elementary errors. The last two games I felt a lot better.”
On winning…
“I like winning; I don’t care where it is. I just want to win. Indoors, outdoors, wherever.”
On how she can improve before the next match…
“I think I can get my first serve percentage up a little more. Definitely keep my errors down a little bit. I’m always looking for ways to play better. I’m definitely focused on what I can do better my side of the net regardless of the score.”
On playing in the doubles semifinal match immediately after her singles match….
“Stay focused. Try to eat and get a little rest. I knew that was what I was going to do and I was hoping I was going to have that schedule because to come back out at night is tough. Whenever I‘m playing I’m anticipating I am going to win so it’s a tough schedule but I was happy with today’s schedule.”
On preparing for the U.S. Open…
“Just to continue to develop my game on all fronts. That’s my strategy. The goal is to peak there. I really don’t look too far ahead. I’m in this moment and working toward that.”
On her finals opponent (Samantha Stosur or Marion Bartoli)…
I’ve had some good matches against both of them. So far I have a winning record and I’d like to think that gives me a little bit of an advantage. Regardless, I want to keep my game. That’s my goal.”
Marion Bartoli Post-Match Interview
On rebounding from a second set loss to take the third set…
“In the second set she was hitting winners on both sides. She was serving so well and I couldn’t do anything. I was waiting for the openings to come in the third set and when I had the chance in the third set to break her, I broke her, and I think I was a lot more comfortable. I was able to win some tough points on defense, running well, and I think she started to feel a bit tired.”
On winning the match…
“It was a nice match point I think. I think it was a nice match overall. We had some tough rallies and we had some great points on both sides and I think it was a good match. I am happy to come up with the win and be in the final one more time. The draw was so tough so this year. The field was incredible and to be in the final again is great.”
On playing Venus in the final…
“It’s going to be a lot of fun I’m sure. It’s great to play Venus again. I hope we play a lot more finals in the future. Its bringing back a lot of good memories. I am really happy to play tomorrow. It’s going to be a good match and a lot of fun. I’m really waiting to play this match again.”
Thoughts on the key to the match tomorrow…
“I’m going to have to serve really well. I think this was the key in the Wimbledon final. The first set was quite close. On some big points I served too softly. Venus is so good at the return off serve. I would like to really sere well if I want to take charge and take control of the rallies. After that is her serve which was huge today so I need to be ready for tomorrow. But, the key will be my serve I think.”
