Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Otsuka: Just like the quarterfinals, I knew it would be a really difficult match, so I'm really happy that we managed to win. Also, it was our first final as a team, so how can I put it, there were times when a lot of things were going through my head.
I think I lost my rhythm a little bit in the third set.
But in the end, I was determined to finish this set well, and I was able to recover, so I think that was a good thing.
I think it's really amazing that I can be in the starting lineup like this in the semi-finals of the world championships, it's my first time and it's a great experience.
I think I'll probably be performing from the start again tomorrow in the final (just like today), so I'm really looking forward to enjoying it and being grateful to have the opportunity to experience this stage, and I want to do my best.
Toshiki: I got the impression that your reception was particularly outstanding today. You hit the ball hard, and there were also some scenes where you ran and jumped on the ball. Did you know where the ball was coming from today?
Otsuka: I wonder (laughs). Maybe it's intuition, but we do have data, or rather, we look at the other person's characteristics during meetings, so we do what we learn from that, but I think everyone probably has their own intuition as well, so I think the most important thing is to watch the other person while we do things.
Toshiki: On the other hand, I think you struggled today with your spikes and final serve receive. How do you want to improve on that for tomorrow?
Otsuka: Yes, speaking of today, especially in the second half of the third set when it came to spiking and serving reception, I think it was my own skills as well as, how should I put it, there were times when I started to lose my enthusiasm.
I think that this has happened in some of my previous matches. Rather than a complete collapse, it was just a feeling inside me, and maybe I was tired, but there were times when I felt like "my legs are starting to stop moving."
How do you maintain that balance? Is it through your mindset, or by focusing on one play, for example, if your spike isn't good, do you have the mentality to work harder to receive it instead?
I think it's something I need to do well in, and unlike when I come on as a substitute, I'm on the court for a long time, so I'm sure there will be ups and downs during the match, so I want to try to avoid those low points as much as possible.
Toshiki: Tomorrow will be the final against France, who played a full set in the qualifying round. It looks like it will be a long match.
Otsuka: Yes. I think it's going to be a long match, but this is the first time for us to be on the final stage, and I'm personally very happy to be able to stand here, so I'm looking forward to having fun, or rather, enjoying being able to play on such a big stage, and since we've come this far, whoever wins is already the champion, so I want to go for the win.
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