Intro:

Simona Halep, Go Soeda, Roland Garros, French Open

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Simona Halep, defeated Evgeniya Rodina 7-5, 6-4

(Q. How did you feel about that first match?)

"It was a tough match, because it was first round and always it's difficult to start the tournament. But, you know, she played well. She's playing well. Yeah, I did a few easy mistakes, but it's normal and I accept that and in the next round I will be better, for sure."

SOUNDBITE (English) Simona Halep, defeated Evgeniya Rodina 7-5, 6-4

(Q. You come into the tournament obviously as a big favourite having made the final last year. What's your mental strategy?)

"I'm not thinking that if I played the final last year I have to do it again this year. Everyone is playing good here and everyone is fighting to win matches. So I'm a normal player and I just want to win many matches here, but, you know, is difficult and I have just to keep my mind very focused for the match which I have to play. So I'm trying to get better day by day and to win the next round. Just this I have in my mind, and it's good. I manage very well."

SOUNDBITE (English) Go Soeda, lost to Philipp Kohlschreiber 1-6, 0-6, 2-6.

(Q. You are one of five Japanese players this time, the most since 1967. A long time. Is that just a coincidence, or is this proof of some sort of Japanese resurgence in tennis? Is there any special significance you think to that number?)

"I think it's great for Asia, too, it's not only Japan. Five player in the main draw, and I think no other country in Asia, so I think we can be confident, you
know. But we have to win the first match or second match like me, you know. If I play main draw, I have to win main draw. Next time if we can win, all Japanese player in the first round, except Nishikori, he can win."