TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 26th of June. E. Bouchard d. S. Soler-Espinoza 7-5, 6-1. An interview with Eugenie Bouchard
Q. There’s a slight difference between the way you started the match and finished the match. Would you agree with that?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I would. But even though it was a little close in the first set, I still felt I was, you know, very close to playing well. So I wasn’t too worried. I knew it would click after, you know, a few points or games, however long it took.
So I’m happy that it did finally. My shots were a lot freer in the second.
Q. Can you figure out what it is inside you that enables you to finally click?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Of course the goal is to always start as well as I can. Sometimes that doesn’t happen and you have to kind of figure a way out of it.
You know, I was just really trying to go for my shots. I think she got a lot of balls back and would hit a few good slices. It just took me a little bit of time to get used to that. Once I did, I was ready for it and was able to move forward on her balls.
It just took a little bit of time but I’m happy I adapted and really kind of moved forward without looking back in the second.
Q. You felt that you played better than the first match? How would you assess your level of play compared to the first match?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I think I did play a little bit better, so I’m happy that it’s improving. You know, I think it was important for me to try to close out some points at the net when I could because she was getting a few balls back, to really go for my shots a little bit more.
You know, when I was stepping in and being aggressive I felt really in control. That’s always my goal.
Q. Has it been a particular source of pride that you’ve been able to take your strengths to each surface now?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yeah, I think I like all the surfaces. You know, I don’t feel like I can’t perform on any of them, which is important, seeing as we change surfaces throughout the year.
At the end of the day I always say to myself, You know what, regardless of the surface, you still have to go play how you want to play. Anything can happen on any surface. Not try to make it too dependent on a surface because it’s still about me against my opponent. That’s how I see it.
So surface is important, but I don’t see it as a huge thing.
Q. You meet Petkovic in the next round. You had a heartbreaking match against her in Charleston. What do you think about that match, being on grass?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yeah, it’s a rematch of Charleston. I’m looking forward to it. I know she’s a really good fighter. I’ve lost to her a few times now. I’m definitely going to be really motivated, just try to play my tennis, really try to take it to her.
Q. Were you surprised by the court selection? Do you feel you’ve become more popular here at Wimbledon?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Well, I hope so. You know, with good results you hope to have more fans and things like that. I feel that from this year.
In terms of the courts, yesterday they put Murray on Court 1 and Dimitrov on Centre Court. They kind of mix it up. It’s out of my control, so I don’t worry about it.
I love the court. I love all the courts at Wimbledon. I won’t complain. They can put me on Court 19 and I’ll be happy.
Q. Does it make much of a difference to you that the crowds, you might as well be in church compared to Australia with the chants?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: For the Australians, they still have their crazy Aussies. I thought they would turn into my Genie Army, but that didn’t happen (smiling).
I think it’s good to appreciate the difference. At Wimbledon they’re very polite. I don’t know, they respect the sport of tennis so much. It’s very classy. I think it’s a nice changeb#up.
Q. Any issues with slipping?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: No issues. The tape was more of a hindrance than helping, so I ripped it off. Actually my knee didn’t hurt at all. I don’t think I’ll tape it from now on.
Yeah, it was just kind of a preventive thing to make sure it didn’t get worse. But it feels good.
Q. Canadian tennis has seemed to have come on in the last few years. What do you put that down to?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Luck. I think, yeah, a few of us have done well around the same time. I think that’s a happy coincidence. For example, me or Milos and Vasek, we’ve come from completely backgrounds, have succeeded in completely different ways.
I wouldn’t pinpoint a specific common fact. But I think it’s a good thing. It’s good timing. I think because of that the popularity has grown in Canada. You know, I hope I can help to continue to make it grow.
