It was a tougher match than one could have expected

I couldn’t hit the ball as strong as I would have liked, because of the injury. I wasn’t in a 100% form at the match but it was a good test. Andrea did not have anything to lose against me, the first-seeded player. Like I said, I couldn’t practice much. I’m just happy how I managed to win in one hour and 40 minutes.

How did you manage to overcome your opponent who played well?
I’m definitely a patient player who does not want to win the point with the first stroke but utilizes the different types of shots. I believe we both played well. I am much smaller than her, but I have strong serves and don’t aspire to make points instantly but wait for the proper moment.

This is the first time you play in Budapest. How do you like the city, the conditions?

Yes, this is the first time I play in Budapest. The city is nice and tournament conditions are good but this court is not really the one I like. Balls seem to be heavy for me and the surface is a little ‘sticky”. Sometimes, didn’t manage to slide as much as I wanted. Perhaps it is because of the rain this place had earlier. The weather was cool today, anyway, and I like hot and dry weather.

What are your expectations for the Budapest WTA tournament?
As far as chances are concerned, if one is not able to practice for four days, then she does not have lots of expectations, even if she is the first-seeded player.

What do you expect in the second round?

My next opponent is the Italian Maria Elena Camerin. I know her, she has been higher and lower also in the world ranking. She is a good counter-puncher and doesn’t give much time to run for the balls. Once she is in the match and she plays good at a tournament, she is tough to beat. She beat a good clay court player in the first round, so it will be not be an easy match tomorrow.