TENNIS 2014 ROLAND GARROS – 3rd of June. M. Sharapova d. G. Muguruza 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. An interview with Garbine Muguruza
Q. Seemed to be a big experience for you. You were very, very close. In your own words, what happened?
GARBINE MUGURUZA: It was very close. Well, it’s tough now because I had the opportunity to win the match. But in my own words, I mean, I need more experience in these kind of matches.
I think I played very good in three sets, but in the important moments I need to improve my mentality.
Q. In the third set it was a very long game. Was that the turnaround? How did you feel physically in the third set? Was it after losing that long game mentally a letdown?
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Well, I remember this game. Yeah, it was really tough to lose this game because it was really hard.
But all the match was really tough physically and mentally. Yeah, was tough to lose this game, but nothing special.
Q. 5 All, second set, you’re right in there, one game away from it, 30 Love, and she comes back and wins that game. Do you remember that as a particularly important point?
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Yeah, I remember these points. But she was playing good there, at 5 4. And, yeah, then end of second set she played really good.
I was happy, you know. I said, Okay, you did what you could, you know, and she started to play better with time and the third set she was playing much better.
Q. Maria Sharapova said it’s sort of a breakthrough tournament for you this year, French Open. I want to know what you think yourself and where you can go from here.
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Well, I mean, I’m really happy with what I did here in Roland Garros. I feel confident now. You know, I believe on myself. These matches, give you a lot of experience, so for me it’s very good to see that I have the level.
Q. It seems you have some kind of inner belief in yourself. I mean, beating Serena, you know, on a big court, easy; today, going out there, winning the first set 6 1 to Maria Sharapova. Is that something you have from yourself, that belief to win against the top players?
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Well, I always like to play on big courts and against big players, you know. But I think I work really hard for these moments. Well, I just go out there and try to do my best and try to believe that you can win.
That’s important part, you know, to believe that you can do it.
Q. Would you say it’s the most painful defeat for you in your life? Because this match, during this match, you were so close.
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Well, yes, and also because it was the quarterfinals. But then, you know, I will have to draw the lessons from such a match. That’s true. I’m a bit shocked. It’s really tough.
But deep within myself I know I’m very happy because I know I can win these very important matches now and that I can put a good fight against the best players.
Q. You said that the details really counted for the turnaround in this match. Could you give us examples of these details?
GARBINE MUGURUZA: Well, for instance, when it was 5 4 during the second set, she started playing really well. And then, I don’t know. There were a number of points. Sometimes I made a mistake. You know, these tiny things.
And then all of a sudden the second set had gone by.
Then during the third set she was playing so much better. I was so close to this win during the second set, and therefore I started the third set saying, Okay, I must be well focused to win this match.
But then it didn’t happen.
