1 00:00:02,250 --> 00:00:04,830 Speaker 1: Hello and welcome to The Sit Down. I'm Viv Christie, 2 00:00:04,890 --> 00:00:06,930 Speaker 1: Managing Editor of Australian Tennis Magazine. 3 00:00:07,150 --> 00:00:10,510 Speaker 2: And I'm Matt Trollope, a writer for AusOpen.com. Viv, why 4 00:00:10,530 --> 00:00:12,610 Speaker 2: are we sitting down with Olivia Kadecki this week? 5 00:00:13,010 --> 00:00:16,380 Speaker 1: Well, Matt, it's been an incredible season for Liv and 6 00:00:16,410 --> 00:00:18,980 Speaker 1: it's also been an incredible month for her. She is 7 00:00:19,050 --> 00:00:23,680 Speaker 1: fresh off reaching a first WTA final in Guadalajara and 8 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:27,340 Speaker 1: now she's not only a top 100 player but also 9 00:00:27,460 --> 00:00:28,840 Speaker 1: Australia's number one woman. 10 00:00:29,230 --> 00:00:31,350 Speaker 2: Yeah, like a whole lot of milestones have all come 11 00:00:31,390 --> 00:00:33,690 Speaker 2: together for her at once. And in the space of 12 00:00:33,729 --> 00:00:36,330 Speaker 2: a week, she's almost halved her ranking. She was around 13 00:00:36,330 --> 00:00:38,629 Speaker 2: 150 in the world and now she's knocking on the 14 00:00:38,670 --> 00:00:40,379 Speaker 2: door of the top 80. And I think she was 15 00:00:40,409 --> 00:00:43,440 Speaker 2: really surprised about it. And it also completely changes the 16 00:00:43,479 --> 00:00:46,400 Speaker 2: trajectory of her season. So let's hear what she had 17 00:00:46,420 --> 00:00:52,300 Speaker 2: to say. Olivia Gadecki, thank you so much for joining 18 00:00:52,380 --> 00:00:54,900 Speaker 2: us on The Sit Down today. Where in the world 19 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:55,880 Speaker 2: do we find you at the moment? 20 00:00:56,290 --> 00:00:56,770 Speaker 3: Thank you. 21 00:00:56,790 --> 00:01:00,030 Speaker 4: Yeah, thanks so much for having me. I'm actually here 22 00:01:00,090 --> 00:01:06,410 Speaker 4: in Oklahoma, Stillwater, OSU. I'm visiting my little brother. He 23 00:01:06,450 --> 00:01:08,840 Speaker 4: just started college a couple of weeks ago, so I 24 00:01:09,440 --> 00:01:12,000 Speaker 4: thought I'd come visit and spend a bit of. 25 00:01:11,970 --> 00:01:12,480 Speaker 3: Time with him. 26 00:01:12,880 --> 00:01:14,940 Speaker 2: What's that like, the college experience? I guess you would 27 00:01:14,959 --> 00:01:16,459 Speaker 2: have only been there for a day or so, but 28 00:01:16,480 --> 00:01:19,160 Speaker 2: I mean, have you done the US college uni thing before? 29 00:01:19,720 --> 00:01:20,660 Speaker 3: No, I haven't actually. 30 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:22,900 Speaker 4: And this is like my first time coming to a 31 00:01:22,940 --> 00:01:25,340 Speaker 4: college in a way too. So it's all very new 32 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:28,860 Speaker 4: to me and it's a pretty cool environment. I went 33 00:01:28,900 --> 00:01:34,140 Speaker 4: and saw the centre and it's like amazing facilities and yeah, 34 00:01:34,220 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 4: he's in very good. 35 00:01:34,959 --> 00:01:35,640 Speaker 3: Hands, my brother. 36 00:01:36,080 --> 00:01:38,910 Speaker 2: That's good to hear. Now, obviously, one of the main 37 00:01:38,940 --> 00:01:41,710 Speaker 2: reasons we're talking to you today is because of your 38 00:01:41,770 --> 00:01:45,110 Speaker 2: performance in Guadalajara. You made the final there of the 39 00:01:45,330 --> 00:01:49,010 Speaker 2: WTO 500 there and like an incredible week that you 40 00:01:49,030 --> 00:01:51,830 Speaker 2: started in qualifying to get to your first WTO final. 41 00:01:51,870 --> 00:01:54,470 Speaker 2: What What clicked? Why did it all work so well 42 00:01:54,490 --> 00:01:55,730 Speaker 2: there on such a big stage? 43 00:01:55,990 --> 00:01:58,590 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's sort of a million dollar question in a way. 44 00:02:00,010 --> 00:02:00,430 Speaker 1: I don't know. 45 00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:03,010 Speaker 3: I think I spent a week. 46 00:02:02,890 --> 00:02:07,870 Speaker 4: Before that 500 tournament there playing a 1-2-5 and I've 47 00:02:07,890 --> 00:02:10,690 Speaker 4: been playing quite a bit this year and I don't know, 48 00:02:10,710 --> 00:02:14,370 Speaker 4: I was really feeling myself out there. I really enjoyed 49 00:02:14,389 --> 00:02:19,139 Speaker 4: the conditions and everything about Mexico that week and I 50 00:02:19,139 --> 00:02:21,360 Speaker 4: don't know. I was playing some great tennis and I 51 00:02:21,419 --> 00:02:24,150 Speaker 4: just took every opportunity as it came. And each day 52 00:02:24,210 --> 00:02:27,329 Speaker 4: was a chance to, you know, get out there, compete, 53 00:02:27,990 --> 00:02:28,579 Speaker 4: enjoy it. 54 00:02:28,810 --> 00:02:31,510 Speaker 3: And yeah, it came good in the end. 55 00:02:31,870 --> 00:02:34,730 Speaker 2: It certainly did. And one thing that was so interesting 56 00:02:34,790 --> 00:02:37,340 Speaker 2: about your run after you qualified was like the caliber 57 00:02:37,380 --> 00:02:39,880 Speaker 2: of players you kept facing in the main draw. So 58 00:02:40,240 --> 00:02:45,160 Speaker 2: you beat Sloane Stephens, Danielle Collins, Martina Trevisan, Camilla Azoria. 59 00:02:45,200 --> 00:02:48,090 Speaker 2: Like these are all big names on the WTA tour. 60 00:02:48,100 --> 00:02:50,669 Speaker 2: So how did it feel to face them and beat them? 61 00:02:51,850 --> 00:02:53,610 Speaker 4: Yeah, for sure. I mean, they're probably one of the 62 00:02:53,630 --> 00:02:56,510 Speaker 4: biggest names, like you said, on tour. So to be 63 00:02:56,530 --> 00:03:01,410 Speaker 4: able to get quite a few great wins was amazing 64 00:03:01,870 --> 00:03:05,030 Speaker 4: for my confidence. And a lot of the time I 65 00:03:05,130 --> 00:03:06,710 Speaker 4: was just taking one match at a time. I didn't 66 00:03:06,750 --> 00:03:10,109 Speaker 4: know who I was facing next or anything. So I 67 00:03:10,310 --> 00:03:12,890 Speaker 4: think that I really enjoyed that. I just, like I 68 00:03:12,930 --> 00:03:15,590 Speaker 4: said before, just took every match as it came and 69 00:03:16,180 --> 00:03:21,640 Speaker 4: really enjoyed um competing and yeah especially at that level 70 00:03:21,660 --> 00:03:24,679 Speaker 4: because I feel like I've been in that 150 mark 71 00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:27,580 Speaker 4: where you you're in qualities of these events but you 72 00:03:27,620 --> 00:03:30,980 Speaker 4: don't really get to play such well I'm like the 73 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:34,240 Speaker 4: players you play are great but as in this sort 74 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:37,020 Speaker 4: of level you don't really get that too often so 75 00:03:37,100 --> 00:03:39,580 Speaker 4: to play back to back and you know get through 76 00:03:39,620 --> 00:03:43,360 Speaker 4: those it was it was quite a you know, big confidence. 77 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:43,500 Speaker 3: Booster in a way. 78 00:03:43,780 --> 00:03:46,600 Speaker 2: And then obviously entering the final, that's a new experience 79 00:03:46,620 --> 00:03:49,870 Speaker 2: for you. And we know the Guadalajara tournament, it's so 80 00:03:49,910 --> 00:03:52,650 Speaker 2: well attended. It's a great center court. So like, yeah, 81 00:03:52,690 --> 00:03:55,170 Speaker 2: walking out for your first WTO final at that level, 82 00:03:55,270 --> 00:03:59,550 Speaker 2: probably what, five, 6,000 people in the stands and this opportunity, 83 00:03:59,630 --> 00:04:01,670 Speaker 2: like what was that experience like and how did you 84 00:04:01,690 --> 00:04:02,100 Speaker 2: handle it? 85 00:04:02,610 --> 00:04:03,369 Speaker 3: It was amazing. 86 00:04:03,570 --> 00:04:07,870 Speaker 4: I mean, I was so lucky to be, to have been, 87 00:04:08,190 --> 00:04:10,930 Speaker 4: you know, welcomed so warmly. I felt like I had 88 00:04:10,970 --> 00:04:13,310 Speaker 4: the crowd sort of behind me a lot of the time, 89 00:04:13,350 --> 00:04:16,990 Speaker 4: which was really nice. And I mean, towards the end 90 00:04:17,010 --> 00:04:20,330 Speaker 4: of the week, I think, you know, you really try 91 00:04:20,390 --> 00:04:23,430 Speaker 4: and seek those little sort of one percenters that might 92 00:04:23,450 --> 00:04:26,120 Speaker 4: get you over the line. And although I didn't win 93 00:04:26,150 --> 00:04:29,020 Speaker 4: that final, I just felt like I had a lot 94 00:04:29,060 --> 00:04:33,440 Speaker 4: of energy and backing behind me, which, like I said, 95 00:04:33,460 --> 00:04:38,910 Speaker 4: makes a big, you know, impact and I thought I 96 00:04:38,950 --> 00:04:41,830 Speaker 4: played great, like great tennis, and I just felt like 97 00:04:41,870 --> 00:04:45,150 Speaker 4: I didn't quite execute as well as I had the last, 98 00:04:45,370 --> 00:04:46,310 Speaker 4: you know, few matches. 99 00:04:46,440 --> 00:04:49,160 Speaker 3: But credit to Magdalena. 100 00:04:49,200 --> 00:04:52,960 Speaker 4: Like she played amazing and she's had such a great 101 00:04:53,640 --> 00:04:54,700 Speaker 4: sort of year so far. 102 00:04:54,800 --> 00:04:56,700 Speaker 3: So, yeah, credit to her. 103 00:04:56,860 --> 00:04:58,320 Speaker 2: Were you nervous for the final? 104 00:04:59,100 --> 00:05:01,140 Speaker 3: Oh, yeah. I was sick to my stomach. 105 00:05:01,839 --> 00:05:05,620 Speaker 4: Yeah. And I was alone that week, so I was 106 00:05:05,660 --> 00:05:08,540 Speaker 4: trying to figure out ways to sort of, deal with 107 00:05:08,580 --> 00:05:12,430 Speaker 4: those nerves. And I hadn't like, obviously I've felt nervous before, 108 00:05:12,500 --> 00:05:14,810 Speaker 4: but that was like, I just felt like that was 109 00:05:14,850 --> 00:05:15,409 Speaker 4: another level. 110 00:05:15,690 --> 00:05:18,270 Speaker 3: And, you know, it was a good sign, you. 111 00:05:18,230 --> 00:05:22,130 Speaker 4: Know, it's those, those sort of moments you train for, 112 00:05:22,210 --> 00:05:25,450 Speaker 4: and it's quite hard to replicate. So to have that, 113 00:05:25,650 --> 00:05:29,750 Speaker 4: you know, feeling and, and to know that I came 114 00:05:29,810 --> 00:05:32,180 Speaker 4: out there and played some great tennis and with that 115 00:05:32,220 --> 00:05:35,380 Speaker 4: sort of feeling. So I, it's a, it's a feeling 116 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:40,210 Speaker 4: that I know that I can sort of um, yeah, 117 00:05:40,230 --> 00:05:43,320 Speaker 4: just get used to it. Yeah. 118 00:05:43,620 --> 00:05:46,219 Speaker 1: Do you think Olivia that your experience, your, all your 119 00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:49,880 Speaker 1: success in doubles, um, has helped you in singles and, 120 00:05:50,140 --> 00:05:52,240 Speaker 1: and on a, I guess a big occasion like that? 121 00:05:52,900 --> 00:05:53,280 Speaker 3: Oh yeah. 122 00:05:53,580 --> 00:05:56,380 Speaker 4: I can definitely, um, say that, you know, all those 123 00:05:56,440 --> 00:06:00,830 Speaker 4: doubles matches, tournaments that I've played has made a massive difference, uh, 124 00:06:00,910 --> 00:06:05,460 Speaker 4: for my singles game. Um, yeah, I, I'm so glad 125 00:06:05,500 --> 00:06:08,120 Speaker 4: that I've, you know, given doubles a good shot and 126 00:06:08,500 --> 00:06:11,660 Speaker 4: being able to play in some really big tournaments, um, 127 00:06:12,220 --> 00:06:14,580 Speaker 4: which I hadn't done prior, prior years. 128 00:06:15,310 --> 00:06:17,710 Speaker 1: And, um, in terms of your game, you have such 129 00:06:17,730 --> 00:06:21,770 Speaker 1: a sort of a beautiful, well-rounded all court style. How, 130 00:06:21,990 --> 00:06:23,110 Speaker 1: how did you develop that? 131 00:06:24,390 --> 00:06:25,130 Speaker 3: Oh, thank you. 132 00:06:25,470 --> 00:06:29,680 Speaker 4: Um, I remember when I was quite young I was 133 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:32,940 Speaker 4: maybe around 12 I was um 12 13 I was 134 00:06:33,400 --> 00:06:37,700 Speaker 4: working with Adam Carey and I remember saying to him 135 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:41,090 Speaker 4: oh I I would love to become a serve volleyer 136 00:06:41,270 --> 00:06:44,750 Speaker 4: like that sort of player one day and so I 137 00:06:45,130 --> 00:06:48,970 Speaker 4: don't know with him we we practiced you know transition 138 00:06:49,050 --> 00:06:52,750 Speaker 4: my transition game so much so I'd say Adam Carey 139 00:06:52,770 --> 00:06:55,599 Speaker 4: was the one that you know helped with that side 140 00:06:55,620 --> 00:06:58,910 Speaker 4: of my game and I'm so thankful because I love 141 00:06:58,970 --> 00:07:02,270 Speaker 4: playing like that. I really enjoy playing tennis, you know, 142 00:07:02,310 --> 00:07:05,380 Speaker 4: when there's, you know, quite a few things that I 143 00:07:05,420 --> 00:07:08,400 Speaker 4: can sort of do if things aren't going well or 144 00:07:08,420 --> 00:07:09,460 Speaker 4: if I need to change things. 145 00:07:09,480 --> 00:07:12,140 Speaker 3: I feel like I've got an all-court sort of game, 146 00:07:12,940 --> 00:07:13,920 Speaker 3: which is great, I feel. 147 00:07:14,550 --> 00:07:17,710 Speaker 1: Serving volley is a bit of a rarity in today's game. 148 00:07:17,850 --> 00:07:22,230 Speaker 1: Was there anyone that kind of inspired that? 149 00:07:22,410 --> 00:07:24,070 Speaker 3: Not really, I'd say. No, I just. 150 00:07:27,210 --> 00:07:31,890 Speaker 4: I just wanted to be different, but I realised that 151 00:07:31,980 --> 00:07:36,860 Speaker 4: the serve and volley game is quite physical and it's 152 00:07:36,900 --> 00:07:39,920 Speaker 4: very important to have a base game too. So as 153 00:07:40,320 --> 00:07:42,120 Speaker 4: much as I wanted to be serve and volley, I 154 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:44,040 Speaker 4: also need to work on the other things. 155 00:07:44,300 --> 00:07:44,720 Speaker 3: Of course. 156 00:07:45,260 --> 00:07:48,570 Speaker 1: And you are now sitting at a career-high ranking of 157 00:07:48,810 --> 00:07:51,690 Speaker 1: world number 81. How does that sound and, you know, 158 00:07:51,770 --> 00:07:53,310 Speaker 1: just how does it feel to have made your top 159 00:07:53,310 --> 00:07:53,530 Speaker 1: 100 debut? 160 00:07:54,700 --> 00:07:57,210 Speaker 3: Um, it's honestly amazing. 161 00:07:57,350 --> 00:08:00,790 Speaker 4: And I, I can't quite believe it, to be honest, 162 00:08:01,070 --> 00:08:04,390 Speaker 4: especially because I was in that sort of one 50 bracket. 163 00:08:05,130 --> 00:08:08,270 Speaker 4: I thought for quite a long period, I haven't quite 164 00:08:08,750 --> 00:08:12,370 Speaker 4: digested it just yet. I don't think, um, it's been 165 00:08:12,390 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 4: an incredible sort of, you know, eight days and, um, 166 00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:20,040 Speaker 4: the fact that I'm, yeah, like I said, 81 in 167 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:22,850 Speaker 4: the world is just incredible. And I just felt like 168 00:08:23,250 --> 00:08:27,290 Speaker 4: I was in that 150 bracket for quite a while 169 00:08:27,310 --> 00:08:31,470 Speaker 4: and I didn't quite know that it could change. I 170 00:08:31,710 --> 00:08:33,670 Speaker 4: knew it could change quickly in a week, but I 171 00:08:33,690 --> 00:08:38,209 Speaker 4: didn't think it would sort of change that quickly. So yeah, 172 00:08:38,250 --> 00:08:40,410 Speaker 4: to be 81 in the world right now is incredible 173 00:08:40,530 --> 00:08:44,370 Speaker 4: and I'm just really excited to keep going, keep working 174 00:08:44,390 --> 00:08:50,270 Speaker 4: on my game, keep learning and yeah, just see how 175 00:08:51,160 --> 00:08:52,300 Speaker 4: how far I can sort of go. 176 00:08:53,020 --> 00:08:54,839 Speaker 2: Well, I had a follow-up question to that, and it 177 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:58,120 Speaker 2: was about the opportunities that this new ranking opens up 178 00:08:58,160 --> 00:09:01,640 Speaker 2: for you because you've actually halved your ranking. As you said, 179 00:09:01,730 --> 00:09:03,710 Speaker 2: you were in the 150s and now you're 80, 81. 180 00:09:03,710 --> 00:09:06,790 Speaker 2: Do you know how that might impact your schedule or 181 00:09:06,809 --> 00:09:08,050 Speaker 2: how it might change going forward? 182 00:09:08,610 --> 00:09:11,849 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's definitely changed my schedule quite a bit. I 183 00:09:11,870 --> 00:09:15,089 Speaker 4: was actually planning on going back to London for a 184 00:09:15,120 --> 00:09:16,809 Speaker 4: couple of weeks and then heading back to the States 185 00:09:16,850 --> 00:09:19,790 Speaker 4: to play 75s. And there was a chance to play 186 00:09:20,150 --> 00:09:24,170 Speaker 4: some 125s and a 250, but actually I'm heading to 187 00:09:24,370 --> 00:09:29,150 Speaker 4: China to play, um, tournaments there, which is quite a schedule. 188 00:09:29,309 --> 00:09:29,609 Speaker 1: Yeah. 189 00:09:29,650 --> 00:09:30,410 Speaker 3: Schedule changed. 190 00:09:30,490 --> 00:09:33,410 Speaker 4: So, um, I'm really excited about that because that was 191 00:09:33,429 --> 00:09:35,949 Speaker 4: the schedule I really wanted to play, but obviously I 192 00:09:36,710 --> 00:09:38,390 Speaker 4: was sort of planning, Oh, I'm not going to be 193 00:09:38,610 --> 00:09:41,510 Speaker 4: sort of ranked high enough to get into those. So 194 00:09:41,950 --> 00:09:45,410 Speaker 4: I'll just head sort of the other way, but After 195 00:09:45,429 --> 00:09:48,780 Speaker 4: this week, I've given myself the opportunity to head to 196 00:09:48,900 --> 00:09:51,080 Speaker 4: Asia and compete there, which is very exciting. 197 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:55,150 Speaker 2: That's awesome. Going back and preparing for this interview, looking 198 00:09:55,150 --> 00:09:58,170 Speaker 2: at your activity, it seemed that there was, in singles, 199 00:09:58,170 --> 00:10:00,620 Speaker 2: like a bit of a spike when the grass court 200 00:10:00,640 --> 00:10:03,660 Speaker 2: season started. So, and I think if we've counted correctly, 201 00:10:03,679 --> 00:10:06,880 Speaker 2: your 23 wins and nine losses since the beginning of Surbiton, 202 00:10:07,040 --> 00:10:08,820 Speaker 2: where I think you made the semis or the final. 203 00:10:08,980 --> 00:10:12,160 Speaker 2: I just wondered if that's where you felt a change 204 00:10:12,220 --> 00:10:14,760 Speaker 2: or a click happening in your game too, because that 205 00:10:14,800 --> 00:10:17,550 Speaker 2: seems to be when the results swung up. 206 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:19,090 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think. 207 00:10:19,720 --> 00:10:23,400 Speaker 4: you could definitely say that I was, and also I 208 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:25,559 Speaker 4: just love playing on the grass, to be honest. Um, 209 00:10:25,600 --> 00:10:30,110 Speaker 4: I feel like my game suits, suits it very well. And, um, 210 00:10:30,510 --> 00:10:33,469 Speaker 4: I was really going into that grass court season quite, um, 211 00:10:34,730 --> 00:10:36,970 Speaker 4: you know, confidently in a way I I've put in 212 00:10:37,010 --> 00:10:40,710 Speaker 4: a lot of good hours and, um, I just thought, 213 00:10:40,790 --> 00:10:43,449 Speaker 4: you know, I could really do something here. 214 00:10:43,410 --> 00:10:44,670 Speaker 3: Over these next couple of weeks. 215 00:10:44,790 --> 00:10:47,929 Speaker 4: And yeah, I think it's definitely helped just, you know, 216 00:10:48,010 --> 00:10:52,079 Speaker 4: playing a lot of matches, um, to this, yeah, this 217 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:53,880 Speaker 4: end-ish part. 218 00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:54,900 Speaker 3: Of the year. Yeah. 219 00:10:55,520 --> 00:10:58,520 Speaker 2: Obviously, Guadalajara is a massive highlight for you this season, 220 00:10:58,559 --> 00:11:00,280 Speaker 2: but I just wondered if you look back at your 221 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:02,630 Speaker 2: 2024 season, what are some of the other highlights for 222 00:11:02,650 --> 00:11:05,030 Speaker 2: you that you reckon have been really significant or stick out? 223 00:11:05,970 --> 00:11:11,070 Speaker 4: Oh, there's been quite a few, actually. 2024 has been 224 00:11:11,090 --> 00:11:13,949 Speaker 4: a great year so far, I feel. You know, I played, 225 00:11:13,970 --> 00:11:17,910 Speaker 4: I represented Australia in the Olympics, which was, you know, 226 00:11:17,970 --> 00:11:21,540 Speaker 4: amazing and I honestly didn't think I was going to 227 00:11:21,580 --> 00:11:24,240 Speaker 4: get that opportunity so early in my career. So to 228 00:11:24,280 --> 00:11:29,599 Speaker 4: do that was incredible. And, um, you know, playing, playing 229 00:11:29,620 --> 00:11:32,480 Speaker 4: all the slams Aussie open. I mean, there's not, there's, 230 00:11:32,780 --> 00:11:35,020 Speaker 4: that is one of the highlights every year, you know, 231 00:11:35,040 --> 00:11:37,620 Speaker 4: playing in front of your home crowd and in front 232 00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:46,429 Speaker 4: of friends and family. And yeah, that was definitely a massive, um, um, yeah, massive. 233 00:11:46,470 --> 00:11:47,250 Speaker 3: Like good moment. 234 00:11:47,490 --> 00:11:50,920 Speaker 4: And, um, But yeah, I think just overall the whole year, 235 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:54,400 Speaker 4: you know, you get to travel, compete. There's a lot 236 00:11:54,420 --> 00:11:59,540 Speaker 4: of ups and downs, but it's just, yeah, all quite exciting. 237 00:12:00,420 --> 00:12:02,709 Speaker 1: Olivia, I just wanted to ask, I'm sure you've heard 238 00:12:02,770 --> 00:12:07,130 Speaker 1: from lots of people since your week in Guadalajara, but 239 00:12:07,330 --> 00:12:11,250 Speaker 1: I was also wondering, Ash Barty has obviously been, you know, 240 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:13,579 Speaker 1: an influence in your career. I wondered if you could 241 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:17,600 Speaker 1: Talk about the inspiration that she provided and whether you're 242 00:12:17,620 --> 00:12:19,900 Speaker 1: still in touch and, yeah, just that connection. 243 00:12:20,720 --> 00:12:22,340 Speaker 3: Yeah, Ash has been. 244 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:27,260 Speaker 4: A big part of my career so far. She, you know, 245 00:12:27,650 --> 00:12:29,630 Speaker 4: showed me the ropes when I was just starting out 246 00:12:29,670 --> 00:12:33,189 Speaker 4: pretty much and she really gave me a feel for, 247 00:12:33,370 --> 00:12:38,290 Speaker 4: you know, what it is to work hard, to, you know, 248 00:12:38,450 --> 00:12:43,830 Speaker 4: have a good team around you, enjoy it. you know, 249 00:12:44,020 --> 00:12:46,450 Speaker 4: it's a, it's a long sort of journey and it's 250 00:12:46,490 --> 00:12:53,189 Speaker 4: really important to enjoy the little things. And, um, and she, yeah, 251 00:12:53,230 --> 00:12:56,370 Speaker 4: she's just been there for me whenever I, I needed 252 00:12:56,490 --> 00:13:03,100 Speaker 4: some advice or she, she's, yeah, just been incredible. And 253 00:13:03,220 --> 00:13:05,679 Speaker 4: I'm so, so grateful to have someone like. 254 00:13:05,580 --> 00:13:06,479 Speaker 3: Her in my corner. 255 00:13:06,580 --> 00:13:11,160 Speaker 4: And she, um, she texted me after my week and said, 256 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:14,500 Speaker 4: she's very proud of me. And coming from someone like that, 257 00:13:14,540 --> 00:13:16,900 Speaker 4: you know, that really means a lot, especially, I feel 258 00:13:16,920 --> 00:13:19,670 Speaker 4: like we have quite a lot in common and to 259 00:13:19,710 --> 00:13:25,230 Speaker 4: have someone like that just, yeah, tell you that, you know, 260 00:13:25,470 --> 00:13:29,990 Speaker 4: they're proud of you really means a lot for sure. 261 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:33,780 Speaker 1: Who else sort of counts as inspiration to you and 262 00:13:34,059 --> 00:13:35,680 Speaker 1: what does your team look like now? 263 00:13:35,700 --> 00:13:40,340 Speaker 3: I would say my mum. My mum is my biggest inspiration. 264 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:44,090 Speaker 4: You know, she's without her, I obviously wouldn't be here, 265 00:13:44,130 --> 00:13:46,689 Speaker 4: but I obviously wouldn't have this, you know, opportunity to, 266 00:13:46,710 --> 00:13:51,420 Speaker 4: to play tennis at such a, you know, um, high 267 00:13:51,460 --> 00:13:58,740 Speaker 4: level and without her sacrifice and, um, yeah, I just feel. 268 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:02,930 Speaker 3: Like I, I sort of owe her in a way. 269 00:14:02,950 --> 00:14:07,410 Speaker 4: Um, but she, yeah, she, her love and support means 270 00:14:07,429 --> 00:14:09,469 Speaker 4: so much to me and the fact that I can 271 00:14:09,510 --> 00:14:14,400 Speaker 4: sort of you know, say that without you, like, I 272 00:14:14,440 --> 00:14:17,220 Speaker 4: wouldn't sort of be here is quite special. 273 00:14:17,540 --> 00:14:18,719 Speaker 1: She must be so proud of you. 274 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:22,420 Speaker 3: Yeah, she is, which is nice. 275 00:14:22,660 --> 00:14:25,880 Speaker 1: You do come from a family of tennis players. Talk 276 00:14:25,920 --> 00:14:29,250 Speaker 1: about that sort of influence and how that's helped your 277 00:14:29,380 --> 00:14:30,450 Speaker 1: journey to this point. 278 00:14:31,130 --> 00:14:35,990 Speaker 4: Yeah, so my five brothers all used to play and 279 00:14:36,270 --> 00:14:39,350 Speaker 4: we all used to, you know, hit together growing up because... 280 00:14:39,970 --> 00:14:45,370 Speaker 4: financially mum couldn't really afford to, you know, get our 281 00:14:45,390 --> 00:14:48,640 Speaker 4: own sort of private lessons and we were very lucky 282 00:14:48,700 --> 00:14:51,580 Speaker 4: to have sort of clubs support us in a way. 283 00:14:52,380 --> 00:14:55,280 Speaker 4: But most of the time we hit together and, you know, 284 00:14:55,500 --> 00:15:01,490 Speaker 4: we formed a very strong bond and even only two 285 00:15:01,550 --> 00:15:04,750 Speaker 4: of us really play at the moment, my little brother 286 00:15:04,790 --> 00:15:09,100 Speaker 4: and I. So But the support system behind us or 287 00:15:09,380 --> 00:15:14,280 Speaker 4: behind me is incredible. And without my brothers and my 288 00:15:14,300 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 4: mum's support, I honestly think it would be so much harder. 289 00:15:19,500 --> 00:15:21,140 Speaker 3: So I'm very grateful to them. 290 00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:24,320 Speaker 1: I have to ask, what's it like growing up in 291 00:15:24,360 --> 00:15:25,850 Speaker 1: a family of five brothers? 292 00:15:26,610 --> 00:15:27,450 Speaker 3: Oh, it's amazing. 293 00:15:27,470 --> 00:15:31,150 Speaker 4: I honestly wouldn't want anything else. 294 00:15:31,410 --> 00:15:36,690 Speaker 3: And I feel so special, like, to be surrounded by such, 295 00:15:37,450 --> 00:15:40,930 Speaker 3: you know, great, you know, brothers. 296 00:15:41,050 --> 00:15:44,210 Speaker 4: And yeah, when I think about my family, I just 297 00:15:44,250 --> 00:15:47,010 Speaker 4: feel like it was just full of love and support. 298 00:15:47,070 --> 00:15:51,420 Speaker 3: And yeah, I feel very lucky to have that. 299 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:55,880 Speaker 2: Olivia, this is another great result in what has been 300 00:15:55,900 --> 00:15:58,860 Speaker 2: an incredible year for Australian tennis. I feel like every 301 00:15:58,960 --> 00:16:02,710 Speaker 2: week we're celebrating something that and emerging Aussies doing a 302 00:16:02,770 --> 00:16:08,020 Speaker 2: career first, a big win. Have you drawn any inspiration 303 00:16:08,060 --> 00:16:10,180 Speaker 2: from what other Aussies have been doing on tour and 304 00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:12,740 Speaker 2: kind of like tapped into a bit of that momentum yourself? 305 00:16:13,900 --> 00:16:17,060 Speaker 3: I would say yes and no. 306 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:21,210 Speaker 4: It's a fine line, I feel, in a way, because, 307 00:16:21,400 --> 00:16:24,630 Speaker 4: you know, the amazing thing about tennis is we all 308 00:16:24,690 --> 00:16:28,310 Speaker 4: have our own journeys and we can sort of write 309 00:16:28,370 --> 00:16:29,370 Speaker 4: our own stories. 310 00:16:29,610 --> 00:16:30,410 Speaker 3: And sometimes. 311 00:16:31,410 --> 00:16:35,310 Speaker 4: we can get a little too fixated on what everyone's doing. 312 00:16:35,710 --> 00:16:37,830 Speaker 4: But it's so nice to see that there's so many 313 00:16:37,890 --> 00:16:42,170 Speaker 4: Aussies doing amazing. And it does give you a sense 314 00:16:42,250 --> 00:16:45,010 Speaker 4: of belief that, you know, it's doable and you can 315 00:16:45,050 --> 00:16:47,880 Speaker 4: do it too. But, yeah, like I said, it's sort 316 00:16:47,910 --> 00:16:48,620 Speaker 4: of a fine line. 317 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:50,880 Speaker 3: But I think it's amazing what. 318 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:54,359 Speaker 4: The Australians have been able to do this year. 319 00:16:54,500 --> 00:16:56,200 Speaker 3: And I think we can, you. 320 00:16:56,140 --> 00:16:59,060 Speaker 4: Know, keep going, keep doing more and better. Yeah. 321 00:16:59,320 --> 00:16:59,680 Speaker 3: For sure. 322 00:16:59,840 --> 00:17:01,860 Speaker 2: And I guess more specifically about the women, because so 323 00:17:01,880 --> 00:17:04,300 Speaker 2: many of the storylines in Aussie tennis have been about 324 00:17:04,340 --> 00:17:06,080 Speaker 2: the men. But in the last couple of months, it's 325 00:17:06,100 --> 00:17:08,239 Speaker 2: been the women also doing great stuff. We had that 326 00:17:08,619 --> 00:17:10,980 Speaker 2: amazing result at the US Open where five or six 327 00:17:11,000 --> 00:17:15,200 Speaker 2: of them qualified. You're now the number one Aussie. There's 328 00:17:15,240 --> 00:17:17,159 Speaker 2: all of these other young players coming through that are 329 00:17:17,180 --> 00:17:19,360 Speaker 2: kind of on the cusp of the top 100 as well. 330 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:21,560 Speaker 2: So how does it feel to kind of be part 331 00:17:21,580 --> 00:17:24,000 Speaker 2: of that group that are emerging through? Like it seems 332 00:17:24,020 --> 00:17:26,460 Speaker 2: like a really positive future for Aussie women's tennis. 333 00:17:27,290 --> 00:17:28,170 Speaker 3: Yeah, for sure. 334 00:17:28,310 --> 00:17:32,610 Speaker 4: We've got, um, quite a few, um, women coming through 335 00:17:32,790 --> 00:17:35,770 Speaker 4: and especially the young ones, you know, you've got Maya 336 00:17:35,810 --> 00:17:39,150 Speaker 4: Joint who's doing amazing, Taylor Preston. Um, and then like 337 00:17:39,190 --> 00:17:41,820 Speaker 4: you said, we had those, we had, uh, six girls 338 00:17:41,859 --> 00:17:43,119 Speaker 4: qualify for US Open. 339 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:44,659 Speaker 3: Like that's just incredible. 340 00:17:45,520 --> 00:17:48,540 Speaker 4: Um, so yeah, we've got, we've got a bright future 341 00:17:48,580 --> 00:17:52,920 Speaker 4: and I, I hope that they know that it's doable and, 342 00:17:53,109 --> 00:17:54,490 Speaker 4: you know, you just got to keep doing the right 343 00:17:54,530 --> 00:17:58,550 Speaker 4: things and working hard and, giving yourself the chance and, yeah, 344 00:17:58,570 --> 00:18:00,109 Speaker 4: you never know what could happen. 345 00:18:00,770 --> 00:18:03,890 Speaker 1: So, Olivia, we're learning a lot, or Australian tennis fans 346 00:18:03,930 --> 00:18:07,420 Speaker 1: are learning a lot about Olivia Gedecky, the tennis player. 347 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:10,619 Speaker 1: What's something they might not know about Olivia Gedecky. 348 00:18:10,640 --> 00:18:13,240 Speaker 3: The person? The person. 349 00:18:15,460 --> 00:18:16,700 Speaker 2: Existential question for you. 350 00:18:18,119 --> 00:18:20,659 Speaker 4: Yeah, that's one that I might need a little bit 351 00:18:20,720 --> 00:18:26,920 Speaker 4: of time to think about, actually. But, oh, that's... That's 352 00:18:26,940 --> 00:18:28,920 Speaker 4: a tough question because I just feel like my whole 353 00:18:28,960 --> 00:18:31,340 Speaker 4: life revolves around tennis, as. 354 00:18:32,760 --> 00:18:36,320 Speaker 3: Sort of sad as that sounds. 355 00:18:36,740 --> 00:18:37,700 Speaker 1: We love the passion. 356 00:18:38,400 --> 00:18:41,810 Speaker 4: Yeah, it's a tough one because I just feel like 357 00:18:41,869 --> 00:18:47,770 Speaker 4: it takes so much time and effort and it's about 358 00:18:47,850 --> 00:18:51,530 Speaker 4: fine margins and there's not as much as you want 359 00:18:51,550 --> 00:18:54,610 Speaker 4: to balance your off-court and on-court. I just feel like 360 00:18:54,650 --> 00:19:00,470 Speaker 4: it's very hard to... to sort of differentiate the two because, 361 00:19:00,540 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 4: like I said, it's fine margins. But, yeah, I honestly– actually, 362 00:19:07,619 --> 00:19:12,180 Speaker 4: it's funny because I'm not very good at math, but 363 00:19:14,320 --> 00:19:16,860 Speaker 4: I just enjoy sort of doing it because it's very 364 00:19:16,900 --> 00:19:19,660 Speaker 4: black and white. Like there's– the answer is either wrong 365 00:19:19,720 --> 00:19:24,420 Speaker 4: or right. So when I was in Guadalajara because– I 366 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:25,619 Speaker 4: was there for two weeks. 367 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,780 Speaker 3: I actually bought a math course. Oh, wow. 368 00:19:28,900 --> 00:19:32,020 Speaker 4: And started, yeah, and started doing some math in my 369 00:19:32,060 --> 00:19:33,420 Speaker 4: free time, which is quite funny. 370 00:19:34,980 --> 00:19:38,290 Speaker 3: But yeah, that's probably a little fun fact. 371 00:19:40,230 --> 00:19:41,790 Speaker 2: We don't get that answer very often. 372 00:19:42,770 --> 00:19:43,729 Speaker 3: Oh, well, there you go. 373 00:19:45,480 --> 00:19:49,500 Speaker 1: Just to finish off, Olivia, perhaps you could say, tell 374 00:19:49,540 --> 00:19:51,899 Speaker 1: us what you're most looking forward to over the next 375 00:19:52,060 --> 00:19:55,179 Speaker 1: few weeks, the rest of this season and into early 376 00:19:55,220 --> 00:19:55,680 Speaker 1: next year. 377 00:19:55,700 --> 00:19:58,940 Speaker 4: What I'm most looking forward to? 378 00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:03,920 Speaker 3: I think for sure just, you know, hitting. 379 00:20:03,220 --> 00:20:05,700 Speaker 4: The practice courts again, working on my game and then 380 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:10,310 Speaker 4: getting out to Asia and competing and really just trying 381 00:20:10,330 --> 00:20:13,170 Speaker 4: to continue with the momentum that I've been able to 382 00:20:13,350 --> 00:20:18,480 Speaker 4: create right now. And of course, it's been truly amazing 383 00:20:18,500 --> 00:20:22,900 Speaker 4: because I get to represent Australia again in November, which 384 00:20:22,980 --> 00:20:24,139 Speaker 4: is very exciting. 385 00:20:24,600 --> 00:20:27,500 Speaker 3: I'm so excited. 386 00:20:27,180 --> 00:20:28,920 Speaker 4: To wear the green and gold and to be a 387 00:20:28,940 --> 00:20:33,360 Speaker 4: part of something bigger than myself again this year is just. 388 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:35,760 Speaker 3: An incredible opportunity. 389 00:20:36,020 --> 00:20:40,070 Speaker 4: And I think I'm really, that's probably my favourite you know, 390 00:20:40,109 --> 00:20:44,530 Speaker 4: thing really, and really looking forward to that. And then 391 00:20:44,630 --> 00:20:49,490 Speaker 4: after that, of course, the Aussie summer. I mean, yeah, 392 00:20:49,850 --> 00:20:51,910 Speaker 4: there's a lot to look forward to and I'm so 393 00:20:51,970 --> 00:20:52,860 Speaker 4: excited about it all. 394 00:20:56,520 --> 00:20:59,200 Speaker 2: Fantastic opportunity to catch up with Olivia Gadecki there and 395 00:20:59,260 --> 00:21:02,060 Speaker 2: really interesting to hear how she's looking forward to the 396 00:21:02,100 --> 00:21:05,180 Speaker 2: Australian summer. I'm not surprised she is given her momentum 397 00:21:05,220 --> 00:21:08,000 Speaker 2: and What's so cool for Australian tennis fans is she's 398 00:21:08,060 --> 00:21:11,020 Speaker 2: like the latest emerging Aussie star to be coming through 399 00:21:11,040 --> 00:21:13,400 Speaker 2: the ranks, rising at the right time. It's been such 400 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:16,520 Speaker 2: an incredible season for Australian tennis, and she's yet another 401 00:21:16,580 --> 00:21:19,320 Speaker 2: figure that fans can get behind. And it's almost the 402 00:21:19,359 --> 00:21:22,040 Speaker 2: perfect time to remind people that tickets for AO 2025 403 00:21:22,040 --> 00:21:25,219 Speaker 2: are on sale not long now, in October. So this 404 00:21:25,260 --> 00:21:27,220 Speaker 2: is the perfect time to start thinking about snapping them up. 405 00:21:27,609 --> 00:21:30,330 Speaker 1: Yeah, it's going to be a big Australian summer of 406 00:21:30,390 --> 00:21:33,650 Speaker 1: tennis for both the players and the fans. And we'll 407 00:21:33,670 --> 00:21:36,170 Speaker 1: be back again next Monday when we sit down with 408 00:21:36,369 --> 00:21:40,110 Speaker 1: former top 10 star Andrea Petkovic. And in the meantime, 409 00:21:40,170 --> 00:21:42,390 Speaker 1: you can listen to John and the team this Thursday 410 00:21:42,550 --> 00:21:44,150 Speaker 1: on the AO Show Weekly. 411 00:21:44,450 --> 00:21:46,150 Speaker 2: Details for how to contact us are in the show 412 00:21:46,190 --> 00:21:49,410 Speaker 2: notes below. And as we always ask kindly, please subscribe, 413 00:21:49,550 --> 00:21:51,770 Speaker 2: rate and review. We'll see you next week, Viv. 414 00:21:52,050 --> 00:21:52,850 Speaker 3: I look forward to it, Matt.