Q.) You had a fantastic start to the 2019 season, winning the Torneig Internacional Els Gorchs tournament in Spain. Would you say you were playing your best singles tennis at that time, and has it been frustrating that injuries have stopped you kicking on from that tournament win?
A.) I don’t think I necessarily was playing my best tennis. I think it was more the fact I was backing each performance up and being really mentally tough. It was the first tournament I really stayed in the present and played each point at a time. It sounds simple but very hard to do! It was definitely frustrating to get injured when I did but it’s also a really positive thing to know that I am capable of performing the way I did. I know I can build back to that level and I really believe I can be playing grand slams.
Q.) The highlight of your singles career for me so far was the fantastic 1st round Wimbledon match against Jelena Ostapenko you played in 2018, how was that experience to battle on Centre Court with a former grand slam champion?
A.) It was incredible. I had so much fun performing on that stage, I didn’t want it to end. Before I went on I had to really focus my mind on what I wanted from the match and how I wanted to be on such a big occasion. I proud of how I managed it and that enabled me to really enjoy the experience, as well as believing I could win the match.
Q.) How do you prepare for matches mentally, is it just about trusting your A-game, listening to your coach and always believing in yourself?
A.) I prepare by having a clear goal for my matches. It’s always something I can control because there is no point judging your performances on something that you cannot control. It’s usually mental goals, sticking to a game plan in really tough situations or staying in the present.
Q.) Obviously most of the 2020 season will be cancelled, but are you a player that takes it match-by-match, or do you have certain long-term goals to help with motivation and performance?
A.) I used to look at long term goals but have realised over the years I do much better by taking each match as they come. Putting in good performances week in week out will eventually get the results you want. Where as focusing on an outcome goal will stop me from focusing on the process of how to get there.
Q.) You play both singles and doubles, does one take priority over the other? And do you find the transition between both easy?
A.) Singles is my priority. In the last year coming back from this injury I haven’t been able to play doubles. I’m looking forward to getting back on the doubles court because I enjoy it and it helps with your tennis on the singles court. Transitioning between the two is not crazy difficult but I think to be the top of doubles game you do need to learn movement patterns and do more specific practises.
Q.) On court coaching has been trialed on the WTA, what are your thoughts on it?
A.) Personally I don’t agree with it. I think it’s taking away massive strengths in certain people’s games. As there are some players that are really smart with changing up their tactics according to what their opponent is coming up with on the day. Also the mental strength of not breaking before your opponent be that nerves, anger, over pressing could be taken away a little bit if someone’s coach is coming on to keep their head together!
Q.) The grand slam race is extremely close after Novak Djokovic’s win in Melbourne, who is your pick to finish the GOAT? Federer (20), Nadal (19) & Djokovic (17).
A.) I feel like Djokovic has a little more time on his hands. But it’s not the person I would pick as the GOAT.
Big thanks to Katy for the interview, make sure to follow her on Twitter to keep up with her progress!
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