Serena, how does it feel to have to make the transition to the Autralian
Open's huge arena to a small stadium like Coubertin?

It's ok, I had played here several times before so I knew what to expect,
really. And I happen to like the intimacy of the stadium. As for the actual
transition period, I went back home between the Australian Open and the Open
GDF SUEZ but I didn't do much because I was sick. I pretty much stayed stuck
in bed the whole time and only started practicing after arriving in Paris. I
don't know exactly what was wrong with me, I had a flu shot so I know it
wasn't the flu... But just like many people in the States, I was definitely
sick, I caught the virus, it was pretty sad...

Are you affected by the temperature difference between Autralia and Paris?

No, not really, it's ok. You know, in indoors tournaments, we don't really
get to spend that much time outside. It's pretty much from the stadium to the
car and then from the car to my place and that's it. So sure, it's kind of
cool here, even though today was actually quite nice, but it's all right.

You had an easy frst set, won 6-1, and then things got harder in the second
set. What happened?

She definitely raised her game in the second set, while I made some errors on
key points, it was also a matter of confidence... That's pretty much what
happened. I wasn't feeling great on court, but it was all right, definitely
better than in Australia, where I didn't have a great first round and an even
worse second round. I think I'll feel better after each match, as the
tournament goes on.

You have a very busy schedule. After the Open GDF SUEZ, you will  play in
Dubai, Miami and Marbella. How are you going to deal with that and with the
various surfaces?

I managed to stay fit after two weeks in Australia, where I played doubles
too, I'm sure I'll be fine after Dubai because it's pretty much the same
amount of time, two or two and a half weeks. When it comes to the surface, I
think the European clay will actually be good for me because I'll be so used
to slowness that when I arrive in Charleston, things will feel fast there,
and hopefully, I'll be able to get that title.

What about your next opponent, Karolina Sprem?

I've played her once before, and Venus played her a few times. I haven't seen
her in a while, but I know she's trying really hard to come back to a great
level and at the top of her game, so it's definitely not an easy draw but I'm
looking forward to that match.