TENNIS WIMBLEDON 2014 – 2nd of July. E. Bouchard d. A. Kerber 6-3, 6-4. An interview with Eugenie Bouchard
Q. It’s your third consecutive semifinal appearance. What do you need to do in your game to take it one step further?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yeah, I’m excited to be in the semis. But, of course, you know, never satisfied, so definitely want to go a step further, or as far as I can.
I think, you know, I played some great players when I lost in the semis. You know, you don’t win every single time. But, you know, I’m going to look forward to try to play a little bit like I played today. I thought I was pretty solid out there and playing the right way on the grass.
So that’s going to be a key.
Q. The four breakpoints at 3-All, you played them all fearlessly. Obviously you never think about playing them any other way but that, right?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: For sure. I try not to even think about specifically what the score is. I try to go out on each point and play the right way.
And, you know, when I try to go for it more usually it works in my favor, so I’m going to always try to do that every single point.
Q. Princess Beatrice is at Wimbledon today. Could you tell us about your sister and what her support means to you?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: You’re asking me about Beatrice but not Kate and William?
Beatrice, she is my twin. We are very opposite but very close at the same time. It’s interesting, because I think her, you know, normal university life, I think that’s really cool because I don’t do it. She obviously thinks my job and what I do is insanely cool.
So, you know, we keep in touch a lot and we’re very close. She’s a huge supporter of me. Same with me for her. I get on her about her grades and things like that.
Q. Kate and William were here today.
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yes. It was funny, when we walked out at five to 1:00 of the members’ locker room, all these security guards rushed over to us and were like, Nobody move. Move your bags to the side. There’s some Royals coming through. We’re like, okay, you know.
So we were just waiting, and then suddenly William and Kate walk by to go on Centre Court. I was a little bit in awe.
That was my Royal sighting of the day.
It was funny, because we actually walked to our court late because Kate and William had to use that hallway. So it’s funny how Wimbledon does it.
Q. What do you like so much about England?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Well, my favorite thing about England is Wimbledon. I’m always so excited to come back here.
But, you know, it’s the traditional tennis tournament. It’s so prestigious, so special. I think most players will agree with that. You know, it’s kind of like a magical two weeks here.
I hope I can stay a few more days.
Q. How would you feel about becoming English like Greg Rusedski?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I’m not sure about that one.
Q. Are you fiercely patriotic?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I am patriotic, for sure. Whenever I play for my country, I’m proud to. I haven’t in a huge situation like the Olympics. I didn’t play in London. So I’m looking forward to hopefully representing my country in Rio in 2016.
Q. You won a tournament at 14, but when did that belief that you were going to be a champion kick in?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Well, since I was young I’ve always been self confident. I think it’s something I had naturally. And also, maybe how I was raised. I’ve always believed in myself and was determined to do as well as I could in anything I did, no matter what it was, whether it was my homework or my tennis practice.
You know, I don’t know. I mean, when I was nine I decided to be a professional tennis player. So for me, professional tennis player is succeeding, top 20, top 10. You know, as I started playing more and more, I really had concrete dreams of winning a Grand Slam.
Yeah, just going on, every time I play I realize, okay, I can play with this level and play with these top girls. Playing my first full year on the pro tour last year really showed me that, as well.
Q. Will that impatience extend to waiting for players on the court? There’s talk about having a stop clock at the back of the court. Does that annoy you waiting between points?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I don’t think I’m the quickest person out there, so I don’t mind too much the other player’s pace. Today, Kerber, I thought she was going pretty fast. I wouldn’t have minded another five seconds.
Besides that, you know, I think, you know, if the players obey the rules, that’s enough. That’s definitely not too much time, for sure.
Q. When you won the junior title a couple years ago, could you have imagined being back here again so close to the main title?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Winning the junior title was still I think to this day my proudest accomplishment in my career. It really kind of propelled me into the pro circuit. You know, I’m very proud of that.
I mean, I played here last year. I won a match on Centre Court. I made the third round. Even last year I felt that I belonged, so I don’t feel like it’s a surprise that I’m doing even better this year.
But definitely happy to have some success at Wimbledon. I love this tournament.
Q. You have talked a couple times now about trying to enjoy the tournament. When you walk out on Centre Court with God knows who in the Royal Box, sunshine, are you able to enjoy that moment at all, or is it 100% focus?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Well, I haven’t experienced that yet. If I get the chance to, I’ll let you know.
But every time I’ve walked on court here — even my first match I got to play on Court 1. That’s where I played the juniors final two years ago. I definitely enjoyed it and tried to soak in the moment a little bit.
Of course, the match starts and I really try to forget about it and focus on the match. But it’s special being on these courts, feeling the support from the crowd. You know, it’s a feeling you don’t get anywhere else.
Q. You’re playing Simona Halep, and you played once before. That at Indian Wells on hard court. You lost in three sets. What did you learn about that match and what do you think about your chances tomorrow?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: We had a good match at Indian Wells. I felt like I had chances, was really close, and just lost that one.
I learned, you know, a little bit about her game. I think she’s playing really well. I think she can change direction really well on the court.
So I’m going to be ready for that. You know, really just try to go for it and take my chances. You know, leave it all out on the court. It’s the semis, so I’m going to expect the toughest match ever.