11 February 2004 - Damien DUBRAS
http://www.opengazdefrance.com/en/open2004/accueil/story_129256.shtml
Competing against young Spanish Arantxa Parra, Mary Pierce suffered. Loosing
5-1 in the first set, the French player then raised her level of game and
easily won (7-5, 6-2). She explains her bad patch in the beginning by too
much tension in her return game.
Mary Pierce, what happened in the beginning of the game?
The first rounds are always the most difficult to get through and not
competing since the Fed Cup didn’t help. I was tense and worried in the
beginning and then I calmed down and everything went fine.
What did you feel during the game?
Not playing for a long time and returning here, in Paris, brought me a great
deal of emotions. It’s normal but my fans helped me a lot today.
You didn’t go to Australia, therefore the Open Gaz de France is your first
tournament of the year. What do you expect from this tournament?
A lot, just like in any tournament. But I don’t put pressure on myself and
I prefer taking one game after the other. I keep myself ready and then we’ll
see what happens.
Why exactly did you chose not to go to Australia?
It’s true that I wasn’t injured and that I could have gone there but last
year, I had returned a bit too early, physically speaking, and this year I
really wanted to return at a moment when I felt I had reached a good level
to make the most of it.
Did you watch the tournament? Did you wish you were there?
Yes, I watched certain games. And when I saw how it was going, I thought
“oops” (thoughtful). But I don’t really regret my decision because I did
what was best.
Is this deliberate absence a bet on the upcoming months? On Roland-Garros?
Roland is, and will ever remain my favourite tournament. Every year, my aim
is to do my best there. After Antwerp (starts 13 February), I will have five
weeks left to prepare myself so I will have time to train properly.
Your next opponent will be Magui Serena. A word on her?
Last time I played against her was in Wimbledon and I lost (7-6, 7-6). She’s
a good player and it won’t be easy. I hope this time I will win.
--
"I saw a lot of my family, I took a holiday, I went to Amsterdam to see my
brother, I did all the things I don't have time to do when I am playing
tennis," Escude talked about what he did during his 6-month absence.
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 61.70.206.23