TENNIS AUSTRALIAN OPEN – 23rd of January 2015. E.Bouchard d. C.Garcia 7-5, 6-0. An interview with Eugenie Bouchard
Q. Second set easier for you?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yeah, I wasn’t playing great tennis in the first. I feel like she was putting some pressure on me and I really didn’t feel like I got a rhythm. But I’m happy that I just kept going. Even if it wasn’t going so well, I was able to turn it around.
Q. So those unforced errors in the second set, you think your game got better and forced her to make mistakes?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I think so. I loosened up a bit and started going for my shots and playing my game, which is what I need to do more. Yeah, probably taking a bit of time away from her stepping in. She was playing that way as well. It ended up being first-strike tennis and I did that better in the second.
Q. Seemed like your nerves were better than hers and you hit the big shots at the right time. Must be some satisfaction in that?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Yeah, I mean, I just tried to stay calm. I knew that I would hopefully find my groove at some point. Kept going, going, tried to stay with her on her service games. She could definitely serve well. I was telling myself to be ready for anything and try to get a rhythm even though it was hard. Finally it clicked a little bit and I was able to roll.
Q. This twirly business the other night on court…
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I was waiting for this one.
Q. It’s caused a bit of a stir. I’m wondering if you’re aware of what stir it’s caused. What do you think of the reaction to it?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: A little bit. You know, I stay out of this stuff, but I heard a little bit. My friends are texting me saying I dance and twirl well and stuff as jokes. Yeah, I think it was just kind of funny. You know, I’m fine with being asked to twirl if they ask the guys to flex their muscles and stuff.
Q. So you would like to see it kind of an even playing field in that way?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Sure. (Smiling.)
Q. Are you offended in any way because Billie Jean King says it’s truly sexist?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Personally I’m not offended. No, I think it was an in-the-moment thing and it was funny. But, yeah, I mean, it’s just funny how it’s taken a life of its own. I’m just going to try to focus on my tennis.
Q. Is it déjà vu from the situation here last year and the on-court question?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: You mean the beaver question. I guess a little bit. I don’t know. They try to ask funny questions. It’s entertaining, I guess. I don’t mind it. People can think what they want about it, but I just answer how I want and do what I want. I’m fine with it.
Q. Does it frustrate you that so many people are talking about this instead of your tennis?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I guess they find it more entertaining. Yeah, I’m happy that I’ve played three solid matches here and we could definitely be a little bit more focused on that.
Q. Between the two sets what did you tell yourself to come out firing in the second?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I reapplied some sunscreen on my face. I was relaxing with my ice towel. I don’t know if I said anything. I think it was kind of empty up there. No, just kidding. Just felt myself loosen up a little bit. I was really happy that I won the first, but I wasn’t pleased with it. I was disappointed. I know I can play so much better tennis. I just told myself, Look, you have to start playing your best tennis now. I was able to do that a little bit.
Q. How well do you know Begu?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: Not well. I didn’t even know she won. I’ll talk to my coach a little bit, but I’m going to work on some stuff in practice tomorrow. Just work on myself, my stuff.
Q. Some players, like Serena, says there is more camaraderie on the tour than in the past, and some say it’s not changed. How would you describe the camaraderie on the tour?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I haven’t been on tour that long, so I wouldn’t be able to compare it. For me, I see them as competition. You know, I don’t want to become really good friends with any of the girls or tour. I’m definitely friendly with most of them, and that’s fine, but I kind of come here, do my job, and leave. I think that’s the best way for me to stay focused and not really have distractions.
Q. What’s it like in the locker room? Is there a lot of talking and bantering or are you all just focused on the game now?
EUGENIE BOUCHARD: I mean, it’s fine in the locker room. I’m sure you imagine like Mean Girls or something. It’s not like that. It’s pretty chill, pretty relaxed. We’re all friendly and talking to each other and that’s fine. When it’s match day or game time, for me I’m definitely in my own bubble doing my own thing.
