DK: You’ve played well on all surfaces, but what is it about clay that brings out your best?
PM: I love this surface. It suits my game really well. I like to play with spin, drop shots, and all of these things that work really well on clay. I love hardcourts as well, but I was really struggling with my body at the beginning of the season and I couldn’t get any rhythm in my practices, and so the matches weren’t going my way either. From Charleston on, things really started changing and I’m living the best days of my career now.

DK: Your coaching timeouts have attracted attention for how positive they are? How important has that relationship been in your career?
PM: She’s a huge support to me. She believes in me like no other, even when I think I can’t win some matches. She’s still there, convincing me that I can do it. If I’m struggling with my body, she’ll massage me, make a fitness plan if the physio isn’t around. She’s there, 24/7, really giving her all for my career. I’m so grateful to have her by my side.

DK: How will you celebrate this win?
PM: To be honest, I have no idea! I haven’t looked into flights or anything, so I have to organize so many things. In between all that, I’ll try to celebrate, get out of the hotel, and go for a nice dinner or something like this.