TENNIS WTA CINCINNATI – 12th of August 2014. S. Stephens d. A. Petkovic 6-3, 6-3. An interview with Sloane Stephens
Q. How did it feel out there? Seemed like the first few games were kind of taking a long time.
SLOANE STEPHENS: Yeah, it was tough because it was really windy. It was tough for both of us.
I thought we played a pretty solid match. I was happy that I was able to get the win.
Q. How much confidence do you take from that win?
SLOANE STEPHENS: I mean, it was a great first round win to get, you know. Playing obviously in the States it’s a little tough playing somewhere that you love to play so much.
I was definitely really happy to get that win.
Q. Tough first round encounter.
SLOANE STEPHENS: Yeah, definitely. So obviously playing someone tough where you have had really tough matches in the past, it’s obviously always really good to get that win in the first round of a big tournament.
Q. Are you finding conditions quicker or slower than the other hard courts you’ve played this summer?
SLOANE STEPHENS: No. Actually, I like the speed that’s here. I have always played pretty well here. I know nothing about courts, to be honest, but I know that it plays well for my game.
Q. How are the first couple of weeks with Thomas?
SLOANE STEPHENS: Good. It’s been great. He’s obviously really tough, so that’s good. I like him, so it’s good first steps.
Q. When you switch coaches and everything, is there like a getting to know each other in terms of how you do things and process things and everything, that that period is that tough or something you just kind of…
SLOANE STEPHENS: I’d say it’s probably an awkward phase, but you just try to smooth it over and just get to the tournaments as quick as possible and keep playing and just continue your regular routine, basically.
Q. He has a great reputation or something? What made you key in on him?
SLOANE STEPHENS: Just a great coach and I needed a change. He’s done well in the past and obviously knows women’s tennis great.
So, I mean, it’s a no brainer on that one.
