Paris (AFP)

The reduced public of Roland-Garros, "even warmer and more partisan than in previous years, it is only happiness for me", savored the French Caroline Garcia, qualified Friday for the knockout stages after having reversed the situation face to the Belgian Elise Mertens (1-6, 6-4, 7-5).

Confident in her "attacking" game, the Lyonnaise foresees an "opposition of styles" with the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, seeded N.3, in the next round.

Q: You seemed adrift but you held on, and it paid off ...

A: "The first set was complicated, she played very tight. It was very precise each time, it was difficult to anticipate. I was not too in it physically. But afterwards, I felt like that she could give me opportunities, and that I could do better. In any case, I wanted to fight to the end with the weapons of the day, and little by little my level of play improved. I was able to read better tactically, it was fairer. Sometimes I managed to turn the tide and focus point after point, doing better and better, being more aggressive, enjoying this moment and myself. fight to the end. Sometimes the scenarios change quickly. "

Q: Does the magic of Roland-Garros operate, even in the fall?

A: "It's hard to say. I think it is different from usual. We have less the impression of feeling Roland-Garros, in any case, me, I had less taken the lead for two months telling me: + you have Roland-Garros, how do you feel? +. Usually, it starts three months before. This year, it did not happen and I did not miss it. when you're here, it's a Grand Slam, it's Roland-Garros. You have the chance to play there, when we didn't know what was going to happen. In addition, the gauges are is different. It gives a different feeling. The audience is small (1,000 spectators maximum per day, restriction imposed by the authorities due to the Covid-19 pandemic) but 100% behind me, even warmer and more partisan than the previous years. It is only happiness for me. Besides, I have the chance to enjoy the big courts. I am full of gratitude, it is lucky. "

Q: How do you feel about your next opponent, Elina Svitolina?

A: "We played each other several times, but each time the script was very hooked. It's more of an opposition of styles. Each time, I take pleasure in playing against her, because until the end each point will be snatched. It is an eighth final of Grand Slam and more. It's up to me to have confidence in my game, in my attacking identity. "

Interview by videoconference

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