MELBOURNE: Quotes from day two of the Australian Open tennis championships on Tuesday:
“The most creative way possible is hitting against the wall and soft cushions. Doesn’t work. But I think the biggest impact for me personally has been not being able to have fresh air. That really took a toll.”
Two-times Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka on preparing for a Grand Slam while in quarantine, after her first-round defeat by Jessica Pegula.
“I wanted the fans to interact and help me choose what I should wear because I think it’s a pretty important topic for a women’s tennis player. They voted for the white and gold, so I kind of married these two.”
Belinda Bencic on running a social media poll asking fans to help her choose her outfit ahead of her first-round victory over American Lauren Davis.
“Obviously she’s playing the defending champion, so of course she’s more loose. I obviously am tight. I wasn’t there 100% mentally. But a win is a win and I’ll take it.”
Sofia Kenin on her victory over local wild card Maddison Inglis to open her title defence.
“I try to be focus on me, not on social media. I try (not) to be a part of the social media and don’t hear the comparison with Rafa. I try to do this.”
Teenager Carlos Alcaraz on comparisons with fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal after winning his first Grand Slam main draw match.
“I feel it’s an issue of maturity. Tennis players never relax, no matter which round, which tournament. I feel like now I approach it differently. I accept the fact that it can go wrong. I’m more open to adaptation, to uncertainty.”
Former French Open and Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza on how her outlook has changed as she has grown older.
Day two highlights
(Compiled by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Peter Rutherford)