Say what?! Best French Open day 12 quotes

It was women’s semifinal day at Roland Garros, and the stars didn’t hold back on court or in the press room…

“I’m really happy to be in the final, especially on my birthday. I think it’s a nice gift.”
Jelena Ostapenko couldn’t ask for a better 20th birthday present

“When I came here, of course I didn’t expect I would be in the final. But then, like, first match was a tough match, as well, and I won it. I think it kind of gave me confidence. Then every match I was playing better and better and I got my confidence”
Jelena Ostapenko on her tournament run

“I cry now or later? It actually makes me cry now. Ah, but it’s okay”
A disappointed Timea Bacsinszky

“She’s 20. Not afraid of anything. She doesn’t measure maybe what she’s doing right now. She probably doesn’t care”
Timea Bacsinszky on semifinal opponent Jelena Ostapenko

“I’m thinking right now of doing the same tattoo as Stan. So I think he did, as well, two semifinals before winning a slam, right? I’m on the good way.”
Timea Bacsinszky hopes to emulate countryman Stan Wawrinka

“Yes. I’m going to drink some beer, finally (smiling).”
Timea Bacsinszky on whether she would celebrate her birthday after her semifinal loss

“To be in the final, it’s just a happiness thing. I just feel happy.”
Simona Halep on how she feels to be back into the final

“I will play for two things: My first Grand Slam and No. 1 in the world. It’s a big challenge, a big chance. I think I have the game. I have the mentality to win, but it’s gonna be tough. I expect her to give everything she has, to hit all the balls, to play with confidence. But I’m confident, as well.”
Simona Halep on the final

“She’s nice always (smiling).”
Simona Halep after being told Karolina Pliskova is backing her to win the title

“I think I will beat 99% of the girls with this tennis what I was playing today, so just unlucky that it was Simona today there. I think she’s one of the best on clay, maybe one of the best on this tournament.”
Karolina Pliskova on her semifinal performance

“I mean, I was almost celebrating after the first round what I won. So I take those 700 points right now.”
Karolina Pliskova on her low pre-tournament expectations and the bonus of getting semifinal ranking points

“No doubt that Ostapenko she’s having a good run here, and she’s dangerous player for everybody, I think, but I would bet everything what I have on Simona (smiling).”
Karolina Pliskova previews the final