TENNIS 2014 ROLAND GARROS – 1st of June 2014. E. Bouchard d. A. Kerber 6-1, 6-2. An interview with Eugenie Bouchard
Q. Did you have a plane to catch today?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: (Smiling) nope. I just felt good out there. I think I executed my game plan really well, so I’m happy with that.
There is always things to improve, and I’m just going to focus on that tomorrow and try to do even better my next match.
Q. How can you explain such a great start?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I mean, I’m confident, you know, and I really believe in my skills. I believe I can play with the best girls out there. She’s top 10, so I respect her. She can play some really good tennis. I was really mentally prepared for anything, for a battle.
I think that mindset kind of helped me, you know, made me realize whatever happens I can deal with it on the court.
Yeah, I mean, I was just really going for my shots. That was my intention. It worked.
Q. When was the last time you felt your level of play was as good as today?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I mean, I feel like since the beginning of the year I have been improving my game, since Australia I’m at a different level from there.
But, you know, I have been feeling that way in practice and in matches recently. Even if it’s not always there, I know that I can really play at a good level.
Today, you know, with my goal of taking it early, I think that worked really well and really going for my shots.
You know, it worked well. But, you know, I have confidence in myself. I can play like this and play even better. There are still things I can do better.
Q. Tennis is a very international sport. Talk about yourself. You are Canadian by flag. But how much you are Canadian by tennis. Which sort of tennis do you think do you have inside yourself? Is American? Is whatever?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Well, yes, I’m Canadian. I mean, I think, I have spent a lot of time training in Florida. So I think that has helped my game a lot. When I was younger it really helped me progress. My base is in Florida. I think that’s an important part to where I am.
I mean, besides that I have a little bit of Irish in me. I don’t know if that helps me on the court (smiling).
Q. You said obviously you played Suarez Navarro before and you just said sometimes you have to adapt to your opponent. What is it about her game that might be difficult for you and you might have to adapt to in particular?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: She’s a bit unique because she has a one handed backhand. Not many girls have that. I played her at Wimbledon last year on grass obviously, so it was faster.
I think she has a very solid game. I practiced with her a few times, as well. She can really create some good angles, really rip the ball. She’s also a very solid player, consistently in the top 20. So, you know, she’s a great player.
You never know what’s going to happen with the match today. I’m not going to pay too much attention, but my coach will definitely give me some tips, see how it goes.
Besides that, I’m just gonna work on my game tomorrow and try and get ready for the next day.
Q. What are your impressions of the Genie Army? How many troops are there? Are you in contact? Are you going to order them around?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Clearly not, because they are not here (laughter). I mean, I’m kind of wondering when my Genie Army fans will show up. Maybe I have to get to the final or something for them to show up. Maybe they won’t even show up.
But the general fan base are considered the Genie Army. So anyone who supports me or cheers for me I appreciate. I just feel so special that they’re inspired to play tennis because of me and things like that.
In regards to the Genie Army specifically, I’m not really in contact with them. Now, of course, the social media and I casually glance at what they are doing once in a while.
But I think it’s amazing since Australia most of the cities I have played in there have been some kind of mini Genie Army and I have received many, many stuffed animals this year.
I just think it’s so cool and I feel so special to have a fan base like that. I hope it continues. I hope the Parisians get their act together (laughter).
No, I’m just so honored to have cool fans like that.
Q. Is Owen Wilson now part of the Genie Army? Noticed that picture yesterday.
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I think so. I think he said he saw me play on TV before. So I was excited about that. I’m such a huge fan of his, “Wedding Crashers” and the Google movie. Amazing.
