Possibly there’s a bit little bit of superstition to it as properly. The one different time I received the Adelaide Worldwide [in 2022], I ended up making the semifinals of the Australian Open. So once I received Adelaide once more this yr, in my head, I used to be like, Oh, perhaps that is good luck. Possibly we’ll see a run in Australia.
I really by no means take a look at the draw, so I’m at all times form of stunned on the finish of any match about who the following opponent is. Some folks wish to look—I do know [current World No. 6] Jessie Pegula does and is aware of each attainable factor that would occur—however I’ve at all times simply thought that the possibilities of it really taking part in out the way it ought to are so uncommon, why waste your time? Ultimately, sooner or later, 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 take a look at the draw, as a result of that would have been a bit bit daunting. Each spherical, I positively gained an increasing number of confidence, and as issues went on, I felt an increasing number of certain of myself, certain that I could possibly be the one holding the trophy on Saturday.
What does it imply to you to lastly obtain this milestone of successful a serious? Does it really feel like a variety of stress has been lifted?
I feel that I lastly bought to the purpose the place I felt like I didn’t must 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 eager to win each draw, however not looking for validation by way of successful a Slam. Not successful a Slam, I feel, gave me the liberty to not solely win one, however now actually respect it in a manner that I don’t assume that I might have earlier than.
In some methods, I want I might [reassure my younger self], however in different methods, I feel going by way of the entire laborious moments and the heartbreak bought 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 the whole lot occurs for a purpose.
Along 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 by way of a variety of laborious occasions to lastly—at this level in my profession—get the win. Having the ability to be somebody who a bit woman can look as much as and say, ‘She appears like me,’ I imply, it’s superb.
I bought a really good notice from Serena. From the primary time we performed, she’s been somebody who has at all times mentioned that she believed I might completely be a Grand Slam winner. And as somebody who appeared 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 bought 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 if you’re a bit child.
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