Transcript: Daria Kasatkina def. Lauren Davis, 6-1, 6-1

Daria Kasatkina def. Lauren Davis, 6-1, 6-1

Round of 32

Daria, congratulations. Can you just talk us through getting your first win on clay?

DARIA KASATKINA: Yeah. Thank you. Obviously not easy to come on court every time. So, yeah, and after changing the surfaces as well, I’m really happy with the win, really happy with my level today. And, yeah, happy to be back in Charleston again.

I think you have 1,000 winning percentage as an Australian now, maybe the most successful Australian player of all time.

DARIA KASATKINA: So far. Let’s see.

Talk about — I was trying to see your face as you came on the court and they announced, what was the emotions and did you try to keep them back? What were you feeling?

DARIA KASATKINA: Well, it was difficult to keep them back because my smile was going, you know, through. So, yeah. I mean, first of all, I felt it would be strange, obviously, being called player from Australia. So I couldn’t handle my smile. And then on the warmup was the same. And, also, I’ve got such a warm welcome from the crowd. So I think just altogether it made this amazing mix of emotions. I mean, also was not easy to step on court playing the first match with the new flag, but I’m really happy how I was able to manage those nerves and get a win today.

Was this a good place for you to do it as any, because you’ve had such success here?

DARIA KASATKINA: Well, I am happy that it happened like that. I have a lot of support here and just it’s a good place which I really love here in Charleston. So, yeah. For the past couple of days I’ve got so many jokes from the players, coaches and the officials here, but, yeah, it’s been a funny couple of days.

What were some of those jokes that you’ve heard?

DARIA KASATKINA: Oh, my God. Like some of them they’re trying to talk with me with a slang. Then, yeah, everyone is calling me Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! I’m like, yeah, I am. What’s funny? So, you know, like just, you know, everyone is coming with a smile, trying to ask me something. I’m like, yeah. But I mean, it’s great. I mean that’s a good reaction. I like it. Like we had just a couple of warm conversations with a lot of people here, and yeah, it was fun.

When you see the flag next to your name on the scoreboard or wherever else, what does it make you feel?

DARIA KASATKINA: Well, first, I saw the flag next to my name, yesterday I was watching tennis and they showed the schedule for today, and I was like the first one on the schedule. I’m like, oh, my God! Then I checked the schedule in the app, and again, I saw the flag. I’m like, it’s going to be real! So, yeah, I needed a little bit of time to digest all this. It’s something completely new to me. But I really like it, honestly. Like living in this state for the past couple of days it’s been — I feel better and better every day. Like first, of course, I was nervous, and when they just announced, I was a bit stressed, because you don’t know how the reaction is going to be and how like just in general, you know, the changes like that, they are stressful. But, yeah, now I feel very good.

On the other side, has there been any negative reaction from any players? Were you surprised any players —

DARIA KASATKINA: Well, no. I think it would be weird if some of the players come to me and say something negative about that. Even if they’re someone who feels like that, I think it just would be a weird reaction. So, no. All I see is support and, I don’t know, just like supportive stuff, and, yeah, and jokes in a good way. No. Everything’s been good.

Was there any other country you thought about living besides Australia? Anybody else country-wise to live?

DARIA KASATKINA: Well, Spain and Emirates for a couple of years. So, yeah, but, now, Australia is an amazing country to live. It’s a bit far, but it’s an amazing country, honestly. Like the people there, the nature, like how society is there, it’s just — like the community there, it’s great. Everyone lives in peace, more or less. So one of the best balances I ever saw with my life. So, yeah, I couldn’t ask for a better place.

End of Interview