Paris: Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei credited her “relaxed” approach after the world number 109 stunned Britain’s Johanna Konta in the French Open first round on Tuesday.
Doubles specialist Hsieh, 31, recovered from a dreadful start to knock off seventh seed Konta 1-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 on Court Philippe Chatrier.
“I tried very hard and gave myself a big chance. Every time I tried to run as fast as I can and get the ball back,” said Hsieh, who won for the just the second time in seven trips to Roland Garros.
“I like to do some different stuff. I think it’s quite fun to play the match like that, I don’t know if that’s really nice or but I like to go out on court and enjoy the match.”
Hsieh had won just twice at tour level this year and appeared to be heading for a swift exit as Konta raced through the opening set.
“I was like, ‘Oh my god’, I was missing a lot of balls,” Hsieh recounted of her slow start.
“Second set we start again, I don’t think about the first set so it was a new set for me and it was pretty good...”
Hsieh won the 2014 French Open doubles title with China’s Peng Shuai, as well Wimbledon in 2013, but it was the first time she had played on the main Roland Garros show court in singles.
“I was making jokes, ‘Oh coach I am so nervous I cannot play’. When you make it fun you feel more relaxed on the court,” Hsieh, who lives in Paris with her French boyfriend, said of her calm demeanour. “It was an amazing result.”
“It was not easy as she is a great player. I had to fight for every point otherwise she would hit a winner or open the court.
“She’s a big player. I feel I’m pretty small. The women hit the ball really big right now, it’s not really easy for the Asian players because we’re not like the other girls hitting the big shots.
“I was trying to keep myself ready on the court and trying to play my game.”
Hsieh’s win over Konta was her first over a top 10 player and she goes on to face Taylor Townsend of the United States for a spot in the last 32.
Konta, who fired 37 winners but also 38 unforced errors, has yet to win a match in Paris in three main draw appearances.
“I think I probably came out of the blocks a bit quicker than she did. And then, like with every match, things usually level off and both players kind of find their rhythm,” said eighth-ranked Konta.
“But then there were times where I felt that she did play incredibly well. And, I mean, there were some points there where I didn’t do much wrong, and she really was — she surprised me with actually how well she moved on the clay and also how solid she was.
“You know, everyone knows she’s a very talented player and she’s got great feel, but she was incredibly solid today, so that made it very tough to play her.”