WINNERS OF ST. PETERSBURG LADIES TROPHY 2022 DOUBLES EVENT ANNA KALINSKAYA AND CATHERINE MCNALLY: «IN THE DECIDING TIE-BREAK WE WERE FOCUSED AND IT HELPED US TO WIN»

Catherine, the first question is for you. You would agree that with the new scoring no ad system the game has become so volatile in doubles? And why do you think you couldn’t win in straight sets?

Catherine McNally: I think it is super difficult with the rules we play under no add, a super tie break. You really have to be on top of your form playing every ball. If things get close, you can be just unlucky and lose your serve. So I think it is important to stay focused, trying to control your game. I think we really had a lot of chances today, but in the deciding tie-break we were focused, we regrouped, came out strong and it helped us to win.

Ann, in your on-court speech you thanked the coach of Catherine for the insights he gave to your pair. What tactic did he advise you to choose for this final, how did he cheer you up during the match?

Anna Kalinskaya: He advised us to play aggressively, not to give them the opportunity to hit easy volleys, to hit the ball hard not to give them time.

You played a final in 2019, this year you won. Now we can say that the tournament in St. Petersburg is your favorite?

Anna Kalinskaya: Of course, it is always nice to play at home, in Russia. Yes, this tournament regardless of whether we win or lose (in the finals) will remain one of my favorites because of its special atmosphere, its spectators. Of course, it is nice to win and this is an additional bonus and motivation to come here again and again.

You visited our Kid’s day, you had a talk with the ball kids. Did you feel any support from them today?

Catherine McNally: Yes, actually I got an Instagram message from a ball kid and he was a fan of mine. To see things like that is very cool and to have that support all around the world just being here my first time is something special.