Flavia Pennetta Australian Open 2014 Interview Transcript following loss to Li Na:
L. Na d. F. Pennetta 6-2 6-2
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Q. What do you think about Li Na’s performance today?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: It was perfect for her. She play really well. Since the first ball, I think she play really well today.
Q. You and Li Na are the two 30 year old women. What keeps you playing at such a high level?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: I think we still working in a good way. We try to have a good team with us. They can help us in every moment.
Is good to see older player, no, in the court and fighting. Today I think she was perfect in everything. I mean, I didn’t have a lot of chance at all.
I just have to say to her congratulation.
Q. Do you feel like Li Na is more focused on the court than previous matches you play with her a couple years ago?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: No, I think she’s just improve her game a lot. She’s really consistent. But she’s one of the best player. Today she was much better than me in the court.
In the last year she improve a lot her game. She’s more, I think, consistent with the forehand. And her serve, it’s working really good also. She’s a really good player.
Q. As the match went on, what were you trying to do to get yourself back into it tactically?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: Was really tough today because I didn’t serve really well. My serve doesn’t work in the way I would like to.
But, I mean, I think she make no mistake at all. In the first five games, maybe one or two, and a lot of winners.
I was trying to pushing, but she was faster and stronger than me today, so…
I try my best, but she was too good.
Q. Of the women players on the tour, when she is playing like that, when she’s hot…
FLAVIA PENNETTA: …she is tough.
Q. Up there with Serena and some of the other big hitters?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: Of course. She’s No. 5 or 4 in the world. She’s a Grand Slam champion. That’s what we’re talking about.
Q. How do you sum up this tournament for you personally?
FLAVIA PENNETTA: Was good. I mean, I am happy about this tournament. Was a really good tournament. I play a few matches in a good way. I enjoy to play here in Australia. I have to be happy.
Of course, now I’m a little bit upset because I would like to play a little bit better today. But next week I have another tournament and everything start again.
Source: Australian Open
