Perhaps there’s a little bit little bit of superstition to it as effectively. The one different time I gained the Adelaide Worldwide [in 2022], I ended up making the semifinals of the Australian Open. So once I gained Adelaide once more this yr, in my head, I used to be like, Oh, possibly that is good luck. Perhaps we’ll see a run in Australia.
I really by no means have a look at the draw, so I’m at all times form of shocked on the finish of any match about who the subsequent opponent is. Some individuals wish to look—I do know [current World No. 6] Jessie Pegula does and is aware of each attainable factor that might occur—however I’ve at all times simply thought that the probabilities of it really taking part in out the way it ought to are so uncommon, why waste your time? Ultimately, in some unspecified time in the future, you work it out, when there’s not very many individuals left. However on this case, I feel I am glad that I didn’t have a look at the draw, as a result of that might have been a little bit bit daunting. Each spherical, I positively gained increasingly more confidence, and as issues went on, I felt increasingly more positive of myself, positive that I might be the one holding the trophy on Saturday.
What does it imply to you to lastly obtain this milestone of successful a significant? Does it really feel like plenty of stress has been lifted?
I feel that I lastly acquired to the purpose the place I felt like I didn’t have to show myself anymore, the place I used to be actually content material with what I had finished. Clearly, as knowledgeable tennis participant, I used to be nonetheless at all times wanting extra, at all times desirous to win each draw, however not trying to find validation via successful a Slam. Not successful a Slam, I feel, gave me the liberty to not solely win one, however now actually admire it in a approach that I don’t suppose that I might have earlier than.
In some methods, I want I might [reassure my younger self], however in different methods, I feel going via the entire arduous moments and the heartbreak acquired me thus far, as a result of that was how I realized the teachings that I wanted to win. So I’m form of a believer that every little thing occurs for a purpose.
Together with your Australian Open win, you be a part of Black tennis greats like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, who’ve additionally achieved that distinction. What does it imply to you that many younger ladies see themselves represented in you?
I feel illustration issues, particularly as a lady of shade who has been taking part in for so long as I’ve and has gone via plenty of arduous instances to lastly—at this level in my profession—get the win. With the ability to be somebody who a little bit woman can look as much as and say, ‘She seems to be like me,’ I imply, it’s wonderful.
I acquired a really good word from Serena. From the primary time we performed, she’s been somebody who has at all times stated that she believed I might completely be a Grand Slam winner. And as somebody who seemed as much as her a lot rising up, that at all times made me really feel like, ‘Okay, if she says it, then it’s acquired to be true.’ So lastly getting one, and having all of her help and type phrases, it’s positively one thing that you simply dream of while you’re a little bit child.
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