𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋

Post Match Press conference
Pegula vs Vanboven
Semifinals- Us open 2024

The press conference room was full, buzzing with energy. Cameras flashed, keyboards clicked, and everyone was leaning forward after one of the most dramatic semifinals in recent memory. Milaine sat behind the microphone in her black hoodie, short hair down, sipping on a bottle of electrolyte water. Beside her, Viv kept a calm, professional posture, scanning the crowd of journalists with her usual hawk-like focus.

Journalist 1: "Milaine, congratulations on the win. Jessica had the crowd on her side today, and you looked exhausted at moments. How did you manage to pull through?"

Milaine leaned into the mic.
Milaine: "Yeah, it wasn't exactly my sharpest day. I didn't sleep much last night, didn't eat properly this morning. Probably not the smartest preparation, I know. But once you're on court, it's not about perfect conditions. It's about finding a way to keep pushing."

There was a murmur of approval in the room.

Journalist 2: "You'll face Aryna Sabalenka in the final. She's a good friend of yours. How do you balance friendship with competition?"

Milaine smirked faintly.
Milaine: "Simple. We're friends before, and we'll be friends after. But in between? I don't plan on giving her anything for free, and I know she won't either. That's the beauty of tennis. "

The room chuckled. Cameras clicked again.

Journalist 3: "Given today's match went nearly four hours, how do you plan to recover physically and mentally for the final?"

Milaine: "Ice baths. Enjoy a good dinner with my friends, and then a lot of sleep.." She grinned. "Mentally? I'm almost there. I've waited a long time for this moment, hopefully i will get there by after-tomorrow."

Journalist 4: "Did you catch the men's semifinal between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz? And who were you supporting?"

Milaine laughed under her breath, shaking her head.

Milaine: "No, I didn't watch it. Was too busy. But, yeah, congrats to Jannik for winning."

She shrugged, voice even.

Milaine: "I wasn't supporting anyone. Carlos is a good friend. Jannik I got to know during mixed doubles — both are brilliant players. I respect them both."

She let the pause linger, then leaned into the mic with a small smirk.

Milaine: "But... I'll be honest. I hope Jannik wins the whole thing."

The mood was light, fun — until a voice from the back broke through.

Journalist 5: "Milaine, do you feel you're at a disadvantage on the WTA tour because of ... your physical health?"

Her eyes narrowed instantly. She sat forward.

Milaine: "What do you mean by 'physical health'?"

Journalist 5: "Well... you're extremely thin for a tennis player. Most players are stronger, more muscular. Some think it puts you at a disadvantage—"

The room froze.

Milaine: "Let me get this straight... You had almost four hours to think of something to ask me. That's what you came up with? A shit question."

Gasps and scribbles filled the room. Viv shifted, but Milaine leaned in closer, her voice cool and steady.

Milaine: "Since we're playing this game... maybe I ask you one back. You want to give me tips on gaining weight? Beer and donuts, maybe? You look like you know."