14 jan - MARTINA HINGIS defeated VIRGINIE RAZZANO 6-2 6-2

Q. Ian Cohen, Channel 10. Obviously, you are very happy with the win. Nice to get it under the belt?

A. Oh, definitely. I mean it's nice to get out there, the first night match, so you hope you don't have to play too many out there in the evening. But it was nice, you know, coming back from Sydney, and just coming from a victory there, you know, have a day off and then play in the evening. So it was great weather conditions and I enjoyed myself out there.

Q. Being the finalist so many years now, whether one or lost, has the preparation been any different this year?

A. Well, not really. I mean, I played Sydney, but I had - well, one thing was different: that I had surgery like three months ago on my ankle and tried to recover from that, and I probably did better than I expected last week, and very happy to be back and playing well.

Q. Your thoughts on Serena bowing out?

A. Well, I saw that, you know, she pulled it, or whatever - I'm not a doctor so I don't know exactly what happened. But I can feel with her because I just had a similar thing happen to me. Mine was like completely torn, the ligament. So, you know, sometimes, as an athlete, you don't want to take risk and get worse. So, you know, it's - for her, it's a difficult decision, but you know, we will see later on whether it was the right one. I think they she did the good thing, smart.

Q. Martina, John Bourke from the AP. Serena's injury means that obviously, if you had got that far, working out the seedings, that you two may have clashed again in the Quarter Finals. Obviously, that's going to be a benefit for you, not having her around?

A. I just take it one at a time. I'm happy to be through the first round.
I was may be a little nervous going out there at first. But, you know, playing Razzano last year here, I had quite a few difficulties first. But I didn't under-estimate her, for sure, this time, and play a smart game and, you know, that was the key tonight. I am not worried about the Quarter Finals yet; just take it one at a time.

Q. Any twinges yourself - any twinges, sort of pain or anything like that, ankle?

A. Me? No, I feel perfect. I mean, the healing of my ankle is totally fine; otherwise I wouldn't be playing the tennis I am at these days so - - -

Q. Martina, Chris Lyons from AAP. Do you put any pressure on yourself? It has been three years now. You want it to come around again, another Grand Slam?

A. Well, it's nice to be in a place where you made five consecutive Finals. So it's always a kind of benefit mentally, you know, to go out there, Centre Court again today, and just try to play your game, and I think I did pretty well for a first match. Yeah, I'm just very happy to be playing here again, and I'm not really thinking about, you know,
winning the tournament yet. Like I said, it's one at a time. But I think I started the year off very well with winning last week, so I just hope I can continue this way. But it was nice to win a tournament again - not, you know, a Grand Slam; but it will be definitely nice to have again, next step.

Q. Thank you.
- - -

16 jan - MARTINA HINGIS defeated GRETA ARN 6-1 6-1

Q. Martina, you look in surprisingly good shape for someone who has come off surgery and a Christmas break??

A. Well, I had a long break to recover, so not much I could do at first, but then somehow, like I said, it did me well because I could kind of recover physically and mentally, and just have a little time off for myself and just be at the same place for a little longer than just like one or two weeks, so that was really nice, and just spend time with family and everything, just kind of relax from daily stress and get in shape and get back together, and I am very happy the way things have gone now.

Q. You have obviously been working on building your strength. Is that through weights, or what sort of mode of training have you adopted?

A. Just lots of tennis, lots of hours spent on the court, like four hours a day on court, and then running in the mountains and the snow and the cold weather, coming here a little early and getting used to the heat and the warm weather. Now, like I said, I am a tennis player, I am not a physical - never going to be a power junkie or something, so I have to work on that and I have to work on my weapons.

Q. Martina, there's a lot of injury problems this year among not just the women but the men. Why do you think that is this year? There seems to be an increasing number. Is the schedule too intense?

A. I don't see - I don't know. I mean, I haven't really followed the men's - it has been only two weeks, so I can't rely on that, because I just came back from an injury and had a surgery, but it comes with the game. Sometimes the risk and the limits - you still have to sometimes go out there and play, even though you feel tired. That is just the - business sometimes requires it. You have to still go and write a story even if you are tired, and you just have to do it because of your dateline. There is no other than that in all sports; I think you have to live with injuries sometimes.

Q. Do you think the injury time is being abused by some players?

A. I'm sorry, I don't want to comment on that.

Q. Do you think maybe it's one of the strategies that a player might be able to employ at a certain time?

A. It is not in my case. I normally play fair games.

Q. Are you able to pace yourself to try to peak in the second week?

A. I think these first matches and the 32 seeds, there are more of a warm-up. Sometimes you had those great match-ups first rounds. You still have them today, with Anna playing Henin and also Serena had to play Conchita. Those are still great players, but it cuts off at those top meetings. Sometimes you are 17 in the world and you have to play a
seeded player, so that is not happening any more. But now it kind of starts off - this is the third or fourth round, and definitely in the second week, but you just have to go round with round. Anybody can play these days.
 

18 Jan - MARTINA HINGIS defeated BARBARA RITTNER 6-1 6-0

Q. Martina, is it hard to get up for those sort of games where you just have to get the job done?

A. No. I think it's nice that you get matches like this one under my belt, because you can even try out things, and get out there and not really have to be that nervous all the time. And that was maybe my first match, because it's always a new experience getting out there every year. It's like a new thing. And now I feel much better about myself, you know, winning last week and now also the third round, so it's good.

Q. Do you enjoy getting out there all the time?

A. Yeah. I do enjoy myself out there any time, especially when I play well, so it doesn't matter who is on the other side.

Q. But in a sense, given the way this tournament has gone, are those sort of matches a little dangerous if you don't done take enough care?

A. Exactly. I mean, they can become very dangerous if you don't take it seriously. Like, you know, maybe in the past I would under-estimate some players and then I get this trouble. But not this year, not this time.

Q. Did you watch the match, Williams against Hantuchova?

A. Yes, I watched it. I was in my hotel room, because I didn't have that much to do. I came out here a little later, and definitely think that she had a lot of chances, and maybe under different circumstances, you know, it will be a different story. But today, I almost could say that she should have won, but Venus didn't look that - all about, you know, playing today. But I think she's a great winner, and I think she can always get out of trouble, and that's what makes her a champion.

Q. Martina, just on an unrelated aspect: Sergio Garcia was sitting a few seats behind your Mum. Is he a friend, or is he with the same management group, or did you know he was coming?

A. He's Adidas. I think I met him yesterday. He was also - he came yesterday. I think they were in New Zealand playing, so he just stopped by, you know, for this tournament, because he is going on to Perth. So, you know, I mean, he asked for tickets; but I met him yesterday. I think so did a lot of other players and people.

Q. Had you met him before, through the tennis?

A. No, this is the first time. I didn't know. I just know I heard and seen him on TV. I mean, he's a great golfer but I don't know him that well.

Q. After last week and today's match, after last week and today, how confident are you about you going all the way to the Finals?

A. Oh, I think I'm getting confidence each match. I feel definitely much better every time. I mean, you could see improvement already. Today, I was more aggressive, taking more chances. Even sometimes I miss, but at least I tried, and I wasn't like, you know, very defensive, and I think that's, you know, by each match when you need the concentration, and when you really need to step it up, I think, you know, I'm on the good way.

Q. You mean your confidence is becoming bigger and bigger?

A. Yes, definitely.

Q. Martina, does your confidence also get boosted just by some of the troubles some of the other women are having - Venus Williams with her knee, Capriati has got her hip pretty heavily strapped, that sort of thing - does sort of that give you more confidence?

A. I think you have just got to take your chances, definitely. I mean the draw looks much brighter already. You know, when I saw the draw and there was Serena, and then she had to pull out; and maybe having to play the Williams sisters back-to-back again, I mean, that's just very difficult to do all the time. But I mean, now I think the draw has opened up a little bit. I mean, you can see in the men's, I mean, that's almost unbelievable. I think that has never happened in the past. But I mean, like I said, you just have to take it each match. I mean, anyone can go out there and beat you so - also Amanda has, you know, picked up her game, and I just have to go out there and do my business.
 
 

20 Jan - MARTINA HINGIS defeated AMANDA COETZER 6-1 6-0

Q. Martina, is this the best you have been feeling on a Grand Slam tournament for a while?

A. Yes, I think I do. I play very well today. I mean, every game I played I feel better, more secure in my shots, and also taking my chances. Also today, you know, I think the players, they are - each time they are a little better, and also I have to play better game. And, you know, at first I kind of try to see how she's playing and I made more errors. But against her you have to try to dictate the game, because otherwise you run right and left. So I play well.

Q. And were you expecting such an easy week, an easy first week?

A. No. I think I - it's hard to say. I mean, I know that I was feeling well coming into this tournament, and with winning Sydney last week, I think I played - I did better than I expected for myself when I came here after, you know, the operation and everything. But now I really have the belief I can go all the way, and that's a nice thing to have.

Q. Martina, when you come through a week like this, especially against someone like Amanda who is obviously, you know, a former No. 3 and been in the Semis here a couple of years, do you ever get disappointed that you're not, or feel like you've missed something when you haven't gotten pushed at all in any of your matches?

A. No, not at all. I have been pushed in the past enough. It's nice to have matches like this, you know. Your confidence, it's raising, and now I've got another match to think of against Serra Zanetti. I've never played her, only when I was nine years old, my first International Junior tournament; I remember that. Because since then we've met, and so I just, you know, take it one at a time and it's still going to, the players are going to improve.

Q. Have you caught up with Marcelo Rios' comments from yesterday?

A. Of course I did. I mean you can't escape that.

Q. What are your thoughts?

A. I mean, it's definitely - it's tough, the men's game. It's, you know, very close, and I think this time in the Grand Slam you wouldn't expect at first when you go to into the tournament that so many seeds are going to fall. But I think the depth in women's tennis has also gotten so much better. I mean, you can see right now, I mean, there are so many girls who can play, and you can always have a hard time. But if you don't take it serious enough, they can always beat you. So I think it just depends on how you are prepared at a tournament.

Q. How do you measure that, Martina? It's always a bit hard to quantify, isn't it, like the depth in men's tennis, how do you quantify - - -

A. He's had matches in the past he just beat the people down, so I mean it's - in the men's tennis sometimes, because they have the big serve so they just, you know, concentrate on that more. In our tennis it's just a little different. But I think we've raised our level a lot.

Q. Martina, Monica was saying today that you have to be very careful about ankle and knee injuries on these courts. Have you found movement more difficult than other years here?

A. Well, I think it's just slower this year. I don't know the reason for it. But, you know, they resurface it every year, so it obviously can't always be the same thing. I mean, sometimes they put a little layer extra. I don't know what they do with the surface. But I think it's a very nice court. I'm always going to say that because I have two of them at home, so I love to play on it. And, I mean, you've just got to be ready. I mean, it's the first Grand Slam of the season and, you know, things
happen because you are not prepared, and I think it's just - you just, you know, have to go out there and play once you step on the court, and if you are not ready, I mean, sometimes you step in your own trap. So you have just got to know your limits.

Q. Can you understand why the pace varies from year to year?

A. Can I what?

Q. Understand why the speed of the court is - - -

A. Well, I just said, I don't know. You know, sometimes there's a layer extra. You have to ask the special person who builds these courts, so I don't know.

Q. But you've got Rebound Ace at home, have you?

A. Yeah, but it's like every year it's - it's rougher, that's why it's slower. I mean the balls, you know, they lose the fill - how do you call it - the fluff.

Q. You come here every year. I mean, should there be a reasonable expectation that the court is, there's a certain consistency in the court from one year to the next? Should you be able to come here and expect it to play pretty much as it did the year before and the year before?

A. You've got to play on whatever is out there. It's the same for both players, and like I said, this year I'm prepared very well. I don't like people complaining all the time either. I mean, it's just, play the game, you know.

Q. Martina, just on that previous comment from Rios, I'm just wondering, do you understand or do you have any reasons as to why the men are so critical of the women's game?

A. Well, you talk to him. I have no answer on that because, I mean I always - sometimes I've been practising with men in, and then they are really surprised sometimes, like, 'Wow, women can hit the ball actually'. I mean, you know, I think it depends on what player you are. I mean, the one year you had Kafelnikov at the US Open practice with Venus because he just wanted to know and to find out how hard she hits the ball, and he was surprised also. So I think it's just attitude sometimes people have toward women, women's tennis. I think if I played with him one time he'd change his mind.

Q. One other: Monica was saying that she wears slightly sworn shoes because she felt that the court was more sticky, especially with the heat this morning. Do you adopt similar strategies with your shoes?

A. Well, I started off with new shoes in this tournament; but I always wear them in, in practice, first, during the first week, so is little bit more worn out, yeah. I was in for Doubles so, you know, the matches, the better matches, they are already little walked in, yes. But I more like - normally, I like newer shoes in general.
 
 

20 Jan - MARTINA HINGIS defeated ADRIANA SERRA ZANETTI 6-2 6-3

Q. Martina, how does it feel to be in front of this girl you haven't met for, six or seven years, I don't know?

A. Well, I've seen her on the Tour before. I mean she was - she kind of started on the Tour in 94. The announcer said it. So she's pretty much kind of grew up the same way I did. She's, like, different the level of the Grand Slam I saw her. But it was kind of nice to see somebody shorter on the other side, that's for sure.

Q. Martina, this time last year you had a run of tough matches coming into the Final. How do you compare your fitness and form now to last year?

A. Well, I mean, nobody - I'd had to face Serena in the Quarter-finals here at this point; but it's kind of nice having somebody you don't know that well. It's not almost the most exciting thing, because you don't know what to expect exactly. So you go out on the court and you don't know, you know. She had some great points. I mean, those down the lines and, you know, those little angles, and she's a quick player, so she definitely deserved to be in the Quarter-finals. I mean, it's nice to get through it easier than last year, yes.

Q. Martina, did the hard run last year take its toll on you in the Final, do you think?

A. Oh, definitely, it did, I think. I think it's part of the reason, sure. But, you know, if you reach the Finals here you try to give it all. I mean, the Finals is the Finals. It's not like Jennifer had the easier way to go through it. She also had to beat Monica and Lindsay, so those are not two players which are nobody. So, I mean, it's just - she played very well at that stage and she won the tournament. So, you know, hopefully, I get another chance to be in the Finals.

Q. Are you a better player this year than last year?

A. Definitely, I think all some of us somehow improve because, you know, the style of all these girls, everybody is improving constantly. So if you stay stale, you're going to, you know, drop out of there. You have to automatically improve if want to stay at that level. So I think I've reached some stage that I haven't been before.

Q. Martina, Adriana played pretty well against you. What do you think? Were you expecting such a tough opposition, at the beginning at least, when she made 21 quick points against you, which is not easy?

A. She definitely made me run, that's for sure. She made me earn the Semi-final spot. I saw her on TV a little bit. I knew that she has this, you know, fast flat game. I mean, she had great angles. I knew that she plays like this, kind of; but didn't know, you know, how she's going to react toward my game. I felt like a little slow today, because yesterday was all day waiting around; today, come out here at 11. I mean, that's no excuse. It definitely was the same for both. But she definitely has a good game, yeah.

Q. You broke the racquet on the third game, 0-30 - a little desperation?

A. I mean, things happen all the time. So it was just a little unfortunate at that stage. I was maybe a little frustrated. But I came back and won that game, so that felt good.

Q. Will you watch the match tonight, between Seles and Williams?

A. Of course I will. I mean, it's definitely an interesting match-up. I mean, I don't know when they last played each other. But they both are playing pretty well, I mean with Venus winning the last match so comfortably, and Monica kind of cruising through the matches. So I think they're both in pretty good shape. But, you know, I'm happy to be already through it so I'm able to watch it.

Q. Who do you think is going to win?

A. Oh, it's difficult to judge. I mean, Venus definitely has the game. I mean, everybody put her as the favourite at the beginning of the tournament, so Monica has nothing to lose basically. But it depends on how Venus is going to play, I think. It's just, you know, yeah, the better will win. We will see.

Q. Martina, in the WTA notes today Serra Zanetti talks about playing you when she was 14, you were 10; do you remember that at all?

A. Yeah, I mention it the other day. Did she say something?

Q. Yeah, it was just in - - -

Q. She said she didn't want to lose against such a young girl, playing against you?

A. What else did she say?

Q. And that she lost.

A. Then ten years later, we're back on Centre Court at Australian Open, so that - - -

Q. Do you have any preference, Seles or Williams?

A. I mean, it will be great, both of them. I mean, Monica is definitely one of the best players, especially here at this tournament. Like, she won four times and has a great record, only two losses - one against me, so that was good. But Venus, that will be great match again, Semi-finals Grand Slam. There's basically no pick, no choice.

Q. Martina, would you please tell me also what is the biggest weapon of Serra Zanetti, in your opinion? What is her biggest weakness?

A. Speed. I mean, that's her biggest weapon, I'd say. You know, she has no weak shot. She can pretty much play everything. It's just sometimes, you know, maybe she should just sometimes come in a little bit more, hit those swinging volleys she was afraid of attacking, and so she had to wait always one more. She gave sometimes me a little bit too much time. But other than that - I mean, she served very well for a little girl when she was concentrating; but later on, I started reading her game a little bit better. But sometimes it's hard to tell why players aren't better than they are, because she definitely has the game.

Q. Martina, after being out of competition for a couple of months, because of injury, then winning Sydney, and then playing really well here in Melbourne, do you feel ready for the Semi-final?

A. Oh, for sure. I mean, this is what people, I mean players like me wait for, you know, big occasions, and the Semi-finals of a Grand Slam, hopefully Finals, you know. That's the time that you train for and what you work on.

Q. Some other players say that an injury can help you because you are forced to rest. Does it work that way with you?

A. Yeah. It was also nice that it was almost the end of the season. I only missed out on two tournaments. So it wasn't like I missed out on half of the season, or something. So it was like great timing at that point, I could say. Sometimes it's nice, definitely, to - it's not that it's forced, but you have time to regroup and just relax and then go hundred per cent behind everything.

Q. You have your Doubles match after that. Do you have any which you are concentrate on, the Doubles or Singles. Or you can be, do both of them?

A. I think the first three years I played her I won both, so it was always nice. First I won the Doubles, and then the next day the Singles. So that will definitely be the goal of - I mean that's the goal of playing, is to win; so I think, with Anna, we have the great chance to do it again and, if not, I think - definitely, the priority is Singles, but just to win is a goal.

Q. So if you win today the Doubles match, you are going to play against the Japanese players, Asagoe and Fujiwara. Do you know about them?

A. The first is which?

Q. Asagoe.

A. Yeah, I know her. I mean, I don't know the other, but I know Asagoe. Japanese players are usually playing very flat and, you know, very quick, and also good hands. I mean, they are quick around the net. But they don't have all the power. But I think me and Anna, we don't have to be afraid of nobody out there. So we just go out there and play our game.

Q. Martina, do you think this straight sets victory has given our friend, Rios, any more ammunition?

A. What is ammunition?

Q. More to talk about?

A. Oh. Well, I'm here to play tennis, and my sport is tennis. And so if you have any more questions about my game it's all right; otherwise, I'm out of here. No, it's great to see him play well again.

Q. Yeah. I wasn't trying to get you into a controversy. I was just kidding. * * *
 
 
 

Jan 24 - MARTINA HINGIS defeated MONICA SELES 4-6 6-1 6-4

Q. Martina, congratulations. Is playing the final still a different match for you? Does it make you more nervous, does it put more stress on you?

A. No, not at all, because I guess in the beginning of this year, I mean, winning Sydney and now making the finals, I do a lot better than I expected. So I'm now going in the finals - I mean, it's a great thing, you know, six consecutive years, and I feel better than in the last two years, definitely, and I think I'm back up where I used to be.

Q. Martina, in the past three years since you have struggled to win a Grand Slam title again, have you ever wondered whether you are capable any more, or do you always feel you have another few in you?

A. You always question it, if you are capable of winning another Grand Slam if you haven't done it for three years and you did it before, but when I was 16, 17 people always questioned. So it's time to put the past behind, and I was able to do it once so there's no reason not to do it again.

Q. Was after Wimbledon last year perhaps the low point for you? Is that a point where the doubts really settled in?

A. I would say more - well, then I got injured so there was not much I could do, and then slowly I got my way back into the game. You know, I still made the semi-finals of the US Open, it's not like I lost the first round. I went out in the third against Majoli, it was close, but I think overall I definitely - you know, maybe last year wasn't the perfect year. I still finished fourth, so it gives me a great position to be in to just go into a new year and refresh energy, and here I am in another finals. It feels great.

Q. The second match point she's got you dead with a forehand; what are you thinking there - but she missed it, of course?

A. Well, it's nice to see the ball float out wide on a match point and it's like "Thank God," you know, she had me. But it wasn't such an easy ball, she still had to run up for it and she knew I was still standing there and would be ready for anything to come. I mean, I would hassle for anything at that point and at match point, so it's still a little pressure, you know - I missed an overhead.

Q. Did you ever miss an overhead before?

A. Maybe when I was 3 years old.

Q. Of course it wasn't an important point, but how did you feel there? I noticed you went down?

A. I was up 30-0 at that point; I would have been 40-0 if I had made that, but still it was 5-4, 40-15, so it's not like a drama. I was still on serve, and I won the next point comfortably, so it felt good. But what else do you want to do - just lob. You see other people do it, but I never did it myself, but nerves sometimes play a big part in this one, so it's nice to have this one over.

Q. Martina, because in the last few years you have been playing well enough to make finals, you just haven't played well enough to win them, how much has that become a monkey on your back for you to carry round?

A. People made it more than myself, probably; I mean, it's written in the media and then it's maybe somewhere in the back of your head, but I knew I didn't have quite the game at that point to always raise it another notch in the finals. Because sometimes, like last year here, I was tired and at the French Open I was - you know, Jennifer just played well and I wasn't just there. She was just better, you know, at that point. And over the last two or three years it was different circumstances. You know, the other girls caught up with me and I just couldn't raise it at that point, but now I think I'm moving forward again and playing better than ever.

Q. As much as you can rationalise it and break it down and understand the reasons, does it still knock you about emotionally in terms of your confidence?

A. Today I think it was a very important match to have this one, the belief, beating players like Monica, and the girls last week because those are players ranked behind me. I mean, Monica played very well beating Venus the other day, so it's not everybody that gets to do that, and especially her, she has never beaten her in the past. So she is a very tough player at this point and I'm very happy to have beaten her today.

Q. Because of that history, now that you are in another final, your third in a row here, or more than that?

A. We'll see. Tomorrow is the next day, and Saturday will be another one; again, another chance to prove myself, and it's great, I love it.

Q. I guess what I'm trying to understand is whether or not for you the stakes are higher than they would be for any other player in a Grand Slam final?

A. You always have people who come back and want to prove themselves, and sometimes there has been a time - I mean, when you had Andre Agassi or - you know, made it in the past but then they had a few years off and then came back and won Grand Slams again. So hopefully I can do it as well.

Q. Is it an advantage to have played as much finals as you did? How much advantage does experience give you in a final?

A. I think it's always a new thing. I mean, every time you go out there it depends on who you have to face, and this is the beginning of a new year and, like I said, I feel better than before and now it depends who is going to win. I mean, Jennifer, it seems like she's winning, but soon it will be over and it will be great to play her in the finals, and now it's the other way, she has to defend the title and I'm the rookie.

Q. How much fresher do you feel coming into the final this year compared with last year?

A. It was a tough one today. I have still got another Doubles to play, so please can we stop soon? I've got to go out there.

Q. In the second set you were down 0-40, three break points; could the match have changed on that game?

A. That was quite important, but also you have in the first set when I was up 4-3 and I had a couple of break points I could have won the first set already being up 5-3, that would be great, and finish it off. But sometimes one ball is the key point, and it doesn't matter sometimes what occasion it is, it can be any time, and today maybe that was a little bit the turnover that I still was hanging in the game and just fought.

Q. Martina, how important is the continued support of your mother in your getting back to the challenging for the Grand Slams again?

A. It's - she's the key person, you know, her and Mario always supported me through good and bad times. So I wouldn't be able to do it without them, and I'm very happy that they are on my side. I can trust them 100 per cent and like I said, I wouldn't be there where I am at this point.

Q. Has the working relationship with your mother changed since that break you had before the French Open?

A. I think we definitely kind of grew closer. We were always close, very close. I mean, I kept in touch even during that time, but it was just sometimes you've got to try things on your own. It's like if you go off to a different school, you know, you have just got to spread your wings a little bit. But I realised that she was very important to me and only her could help my game. And today I kind of proved that, you know, I can do it again also with her, because I think she's the best coach for me I can have.

Q. Are you taking more control of your tennis, though, now that you've had that time apart? Since you've got back with your mother again, have you had more freedom than you used to have or more responsibility?

A. It's nice that I don't have to do all these things - that's what I realised. In the beginning, when you wake up she's doing my stringing, she's doing other things; Mario is doing, you know, all the other coordination things, so I don't have to worry about practise, about racquets, about anything which I had to do. And this is nice, I can only focus on my game, and this is where I don't have to waste energy as some other players sometimes have to do.

Q. When you had that enforced rest in October, did you think about your tennis, how much you missed it? Did you appreciate it more and decide that you wanted to set some goals or change things?

A. I always loved this game, it's just sometimes it was just too much. You know, it's not like I have this body of a robot. I mean, sometimes you just - it's probably good to have a forced break, it doesn't have to necessarily be an injury. But I think you learn from mistakes and you go behind things a little bit different, and you get smarter. You just know where your limits are, you know, realise when to cut back and when to do things and when it's the right time.

Q. You said you have exceeded your expectations so far this year; what did you anticipate coming into this? You didn't expect to get to the final?

A. Well, you always hope, but you don't know if it's going to happen, if it's going to be the truth. You know, you give it everything; I mean, I have been practising like maybe never before, when I was a child. But you don't know if it's going to work out right at the first tournament.

* * *
 
 

MARTINA HINGIS and ANNA KOURNIKOVA defeated ARANTXA SANCHEZ-VICARIO and DANIELA HANTUCHOVA 6-2 6-7 6-1

Q. Ladies, first of all, congratulations.

MARTINA HINGIS: Thank you.

Q. Second, in the second set you guys were up 5-4; you had a chance to put it away. Unfortunately, you ended up losing a tough tiebreaker. When you came out in the third set you looked very confident. You guys looked very focused and you were going to come back in the third set and wrap it up.

MS HINGIS: What was the question?

MS KOURNIKOVA: What is the question, exactly?

Q. That you guys came out really pumped; and did you ever doubt after you lost the second set that you could have come back in the third and take it?

MS HINGIS: I think, in general, we - I mean, we looked like we were the better team all the time; it's just that unfortunately - - -

MS KOURNIKOVA: We did get broken in the first game.

MARTINA HINGIS: And throughout the whole match we were always up, and up and winning, and we just couldn't close it out. But, you know, we had three breaks and we didn't make anything of it so - especially me, closing it out. I think it was a tough task. But I think even in the third set we still believe like, you know, once we get on a roll again, and especially breaking it back to make it even again, that was a key, after that it was just going all the way.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: And Arantxa, she is the kind of player, she's obviously very experienced so, you know, in the second set she just, I guess, tried to hang in there and made us play, and it worked.

Q. Martina, does this help your confidence for tomorrow's Final?

MARTINA HINGIS: For sure. I mean, I wouldn't want to, you know, go out there with losing today's match, especially, you know, like what happened, like losing the second set. Like, no way. And also getting through the match yesterday, Singles and Doubles. I think I'll see only yellow after this tournament - so many matches, so much play. But I think I'm - you know, tomorrow, I always want.

MS KOURNIKOVA: It was great.

MS HINGIS: I always won up there. I had won the Doubles, first, so it's a positive energy.

Q. It was so hot out there today. Is it a nice advantage, in some ways, to play in those conditions before tomorrow?

MARTINA HINGIS: Well, you normally wouldn't want to waste any energy, nothing extra. But it's always nice, you know. It's another Grand Slam Doubles title, with Anna. We've only played three, and win two out of them; plus the Championships at the end of the year. But yeah, it's just kind of weird that we - you know, either she was hurt, or I didn't play, or something happened. So hopefully, this year, everything works out and we just continue the way we did.

Q. You won here in 1999. That's a good omen because you went on to win the Final that year as well?

MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah. It gives me confidence, extra.

Q. Will you stay play together, the whole year?

MARTINA HINGIS: Definitely, we try. You know, if we both stay healthy.

Q. Anna, you know Martina very well. How good is the chance for Martina in the Singles Final tomorrow?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Great chance, as always. You know, like, I think she has a perfect record here- you know, the three years that she won Doubles and she went on to win the Singles, and I think she's got a great chance obviously. What else can I say?

Q. That's okay.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Hopefully.

Q. Anna can you expand a little more on Martina's game? Is there things you picked up - - -

MARTINA HINGIS: We are here for the Doubles; not for the Singles. I mean, just don't talk about that. I mean, Anna is here; we are team, so she doesn't have to answer these questions, I think.

Q. I'm just wondering if she picks up on anything, playing with you, that she might not - just more appreciation playing with her than - - -

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Obviously, Martina is one of the greatest players ever, you know. She has been No. 1, and the way, her game; and just, even now, the ranking. I that think she's, you know, a top player. And obviously I do learn a lot from her and just, she's a great champion and it's just really great and nice that we get along so well and that we make such a good team, you know, and that's it. I just have lots of respect for her?

Q. Anna, this whole tournament you had problems with the foot, and everything like that; are you pretty sure it's okay now? Will you play normal schedule from now on?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Hopefully. You never know. It can always come back, and everything. Right now I feel pretty good. Hopefully, it will stay that way, you know, and just have to continue doing the things that I've been doing to keep it healthy, and that's it?

Q. Question for either: who would you rate Daniela's game and her prospects? She had some pretty big shots today?

MARTINA HINGIS: Well, definitely, I mean, she showed some touch out there; sometimes was drop shots out of big shots. But I mean, still, she needs a little experience, and she is definitely a prodigy. I mean, she has a great future ahead of her, if she takes advantage of it. But, I mean, sometimes it's just difficult to judge. She's at the beginning. I mean, you, you still have to work it out. You know, she definitely has the game now. It's what she makes of it.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Yeah. I think she was a little bits more of a Singles player, though, on the court today. She wasn't, you know - - -

MARTINA HINGIS: We played her for the first time.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Yeah, she wasn't as good as Arantxa, in the Doubles way.

Q. What should she have been doing, do you think?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, I mean - - -

MARTINA HINGIS: I mean, it's a secret. We use that again

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: That's just the experience of playing lots of Doubles, you know. I mean, me and Martina have been playing Doubles ever since we were Juniors; so that's just something you kind of get the feel for if you play a lot, you know.

MARTINA HINGIS: She has the shots. It's just, sometimes it's the positioning and the Doubles thinking. That's what she still has to learn. But if they play together they are definitely a dangerous team, and she can pick up a lot of things from Arantxa.

Q. Martina, Lindsay is not here because of this operation and stuff. Do you or any of the other players - have you talked to her, or do you feel badly that she's off the Tour now for maybe four or five months or something?

MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I heard what has been happening; but I've never really been in touch with Lindsay. Besides, the tournament is so - - -

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: And it's a Grand Slam.

MARTINA HINGIS: So, you know, I'm trying to focus on myself. I mean, when I was injured, I mean, it was only a few players who called me as well at that time, and I really appreciate that and, you know, you always remember. So you just got to sometimes - you know, tennis is, you know, a single sort of game; so I think you've just got to find those people who you love to be with, and I think it's - I know what she has to go through at this point, so I'm sure it's very difficult. But she, if she really wants it she knows how to fight her way back.

Q. Martina, if you hadn't play Doubles you may have hit for an hour or so today I assume. Physically, how does it compare to play three sets of Doubles versus an hour hitting session?

MARTINA HINGIS: Well, Doubles doesn't take as much out of you as a Singles much. You don't run around as much. But you still try to focus and make it happen. I mean, you still want to win when you go out there, so there's still the competitive sense of winning. But, you know, I always believed that we can do it, sort of - -

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Yeah.

MS HINGIS: And I think - - -

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I think it's better than practising.

MS HINGIS: So I love going out there, and with winning yesterday, and I knew I only had one match today so I try to give it everything today, and tomorrow is another day.
- - -
 
 

Jan. 26 - JENNIFER CAPRIATI defeated MARTINA HINGIS 4-6 7-6 6-2

Q. Martina, I'll ask you the same question I asked Jennifer as a first question: have you ever played in conditions that bad before, that tough?

A. Not a Grand Slam final, I could say. When I was in Florida, I think in July, that was when we also sometimes played each other, and just like in practice, but that was damn hot too. But I don't know if it was like this - maybe 46 on the court, the hottest? So I'm not sure, maybe that's right, but it felt pretty hot. But it was the same for both, so whoever is stronger.

Q. Did you fear at any stage real physical damage you might do yourself?

A. Not like physical damage that anything could happen, like, that I would pull anything, because I just couldn't move any more, so I wasn't going for the shots. But I just tried to finish the match, that's all. I wouldn't want to just walk away and give it up, you know.

Q. Did you feel faint? Did you feel you might pass out or anything?

A. I just felt like my head was kind of all over the place, but she was just - after I lost the second set, she had the momentum. I didn't really believe in it any more also, even when I was up 2-1 still, but I knew I probably wouldn't last if I really needed to, so I just tried to walk through it, yes. But I was like, I had goose bumps all over my body, so it was just dehydration, but, yes.

Q. Martina, at 4-0 in the second, you looked as though you had it wrapped up? What happened?

A. Yes, that's the time when I should have made it. Later on, yes, I had match points, but at set and 4-0 you shouldn't give it away any more. But I think in the last few matches I have had this problem to close it out. When I was in Sydney I was up 5-0 and Estelle was 5-3 or whatever; against Kim, and also against Monica in the first set, at 5-1 and 5-4, it got close and there she missed it but today Jennifer was just steady until the last point, so that was the difference.

Q. Did you ever lose a match on four match points?

A. I think when I was a junior, I don't remember. I know there was also some other time, but no, not lately, no.

Q. Martina, do you think you lost against Jennifer or you lost against the conditions?

A. Oh, it was just, like I said, the conditions is the same for both, so you have just got to take the best of it. I think at first it helped me that the conditions were so tough, but later on, as the match went on, it was turning around and, like I said, I lost the momentum. So it didn't really matter at that point, it was just not the greatest game from both of us. I think if the weather conditions would have been a little cooler or something, we could have had a better match. But it
pretty well went all my way at first, so I have nothing to take out on the weather or anything. It's no excuse, no.

Q. During that 10-minute break at the end of the second set there, Martina, what were the trainers trying to do to help you get through the third?

A. They brought out new clothes and I was just - we both were lying there and just packed with ice, and it would have been a perfect sight, I guess.

Q. Martina, you've definitely played a lot more tennis, having the Doubles, the Singles, the consistency over the past six years; what do you chalk that up to, that stamina?

A. I think today I paid for it, that I had to play the Doubles after my semi-finals against Stubbs and Raymond. That was kind of the key Doubles, I would say, and yesterday, to go out there in very warm conditions. So today I didn't really have the stamina to close it out, which maybe you can always think back, if I hadn't played that. But I'm a competitor so I don't want to just give up anything, I want to go all the way, and today was just too much. But she is a great champion;  that's all I can say.

Q. But over six years, the consistency in Singles and Doubles, what's that for, down here in Australia?

A. I think it's just the surface and the circumstances and everything. I love it down here, so I always play good tennis because I feel comfortable, and the fans and everybody is just amazing. I think the surface, it kind of suits me too.

Q. Martina, at the end, as the end was becoming obvious, were your thoughts of just wanting to get out of that heat, to just get it over and done with? It was running away with you, those lost two or three games?

A. Yes, I just wanted to have it behind me, no matter what. I didn't care at that point - you should always care, but it was just impossible, no matter win or lose, just have it behind me. After that second set I was like - in the 10-minute break, I was like, "No way, I've got to go out there again". I wish I could just stop it at that point, but I have to still do it, and it was just too much for me this time.

Q. Did you think at a set and a half you have played the best tennis you have played for a long time?

A. Good, but not good enough. So I know I have to look positive into the future. I really play great tennis and now I've got to build on that to even get it better and be able to close it out next time.

Q. Martina, if you had the four match points again would you play them differently?

A. I wish I had the 4-0 lead again. I think I was even on serve for the win in the sun, so at that point I shouldn't have done the things I did. It was 30-30 or something, I shouldn't let it slip away at that point. If I had hold serve there or just broke her or something at that point - you know, you've got to fight on and fight through it at that point, you just can't let the player get back into the match, and that was a mistake I did. And later on with the match points, you can always get lucky, but Monica missed that shot when I played it and she missed it at the end, but Jennifer didn't; that makes her the No. 1 player at this point.

Q. Have you been surprised how aggressive she was to save the match points?

A. She just went for it. Sometimes you can't be passive at those points, but I was. I was; I was like, "Okay, hopefully she's going to make the mistake", and next time I probably should take charge of it and just try to do something myself. But it was just mentally and physically I wasn't up to it.

Q. Martina, when you lay down on the court at 6-5, that was something new; what was that all about?

A. I did that in the past. I just tried to lift my legs up, so I wasn't like hanging down or whatever, and just try to generate the last energy I had, and - well, I didn't make it. She was up 6-5 or was I?

Q. You were.

A. I was - oh, I don't even remember.

Q. Have you ever been foot-faulted twice in succession? Ever?

A. Well, it was just like I couldn't jump off my left leg any more, so I tried to kind of step over.

Q. That was exhaustion more than anything, was it?

A. Yes, I wouldn't think - I never know my foot-fault, but at these stages it just happens.

Q. How are you feeling now, more than an hour after the match?

A. I'm disappointed, that's for sure. I wish things were different, but like I said there's next week, next tournament, next Grand Slams, next - not even Grand Slams, but next big tournaments in the States as well, like Indian Wells, Key Biscayne. I know one time Jennifer lost four match points against Venus at Key Biscayne last year, and she had eight match points, and in tennis anything can happen. So I have to work through it and, like I said in the past, I exceeded my expectations at this tournament. I think I proved myself again that I can play really good tennis and I can have the chance to beat anybody out there, so I've got to keep my head up and go for it.

Q. How do you feel physically?

A. It's fine. I will have two days off - two, three days - go to Japan, and it's indoors so it's nice. It won't be that hot.

Q. Would you think you rather gave it away than she won it?

A. Well, at this point it's like I think I lost the match, yes, I did lose it, but it's not like she would give it to me, so I still - I think today until the set and 4-0 I was the better player out there. But because she had the experience winning here last year, I think I gave her a much better fight than last year, so I can look up to that. Sometimes - I was like in my locker room telling my Mum, "I wish she just kind of beat me 6-2 6-2, and I didn't have those match points", and she was like, "Well, you had the chance to win it this time", so I think it's a big step from last year, and hopefully next time we will meet again.

Q. Does the fact that you're feeling better now, you have recovered, you are fit, you have actually got to a Grand Slam final, does that give you added reassurance for the future months?

A. Well, sure, I feel healthy, I lost weight - definitely today, some more - so I was trying to eat something already, like have a nice Australian mango for the last time, and I have some chocolate, now that you can. No, I feel good. Today was just dehydration, that's all it was, it just too hot, and I think I will feel better tomorrow.

Q. Martina, with this bad luck in the Doubles yesterday and the heat and everything, do you start feeling that you are very unlucky, that the tennis gods right now are not being too kind to you?

A. Sometimes it takes a little longer. You can't expect everything happening right away. It is not like you snap your fingers and you are going to win a Grand Slam. So I think I have to work even harder now and just continue what I've been doing. Jennifer, it took her three years to come back and win a Grand Slam, so I think it took me like, right now, probably a year, or since the injury maybe three months, to get to the level where I am right now. It's not like I dropped to ranking 100 or something where I have to kind of step it up, but it is only $, and I think I'm going back up again.

Q. Would you consider not playing the Doubles in future Grand Slams?

A. Well, I was playing Doubles, and I think it helped me a lot playing here and getting the confidence back and playing in aggressive Doubles and just have fun out there again. It's great, I feel very good being back on court and playing a lot of tennis. I had fun, and sometimes it is hard to tell what's going to happen in the future, it's just I've got to take it day by day and see how I feel in the next tournaments.

Q. After the tournament in Tokyo, are you going to take a long break?

A. I will have three weeks off and I'll go to the States probably, or home - I don't know yet, to Scottsdale, or Florida - hot weather, some more - or maybe cool down in the snow; I don't know. Just jump in the snow - what was it, like minus 15 before I came here? So that's nice, just a nice cool down.
* * *
 

Jan. 26 - JENNIFER CAPRIATI defeated MARTINA HINGIS 4-6 7-6 6-2

Q. Jennifer, in terms of matches in extreme conditions, is that as hot as you've ever been on a tennis court?

A. Yeah, I would have to say definitely. As far as the conditions, yeah.

Q. Does that make the victory even sweeter, considering all the things you had to go through out there?

A. Yeah. I mean, I don't know which one was better for me: winning last year or winning this year, just because - I mean, I was down match point and it was such a struggle for me, and I didn't know if I was really going to pull that out or if I was going to win, and just, I kept going, point by point, and things turned around. You know, for both of us, it was pretty extreme; so I figured if I'm feeling it she has to be feeling it, so just try to get this, the second set.

Q. Could you describe just what it was like down on the court as the match went on, Jennifer, as you got close to getting yourself back to it and - - -

A. I mean, it was just really hard to breathe, even, out there, and just, the air was just so thick, and just so hot; and I mean, I would feel it, like, in my legs and, you know, after points - even if they weren't really that long of a point, it was just moving just a little bit from side to side and, you know, I would have to go back into the shade, or just, you know, sit down or something, and there was just really no easy points out there.

Q. Jennifer, was there any discussion with either of you, or at any time, about the possibility of closing the roof because it was 38 degrees?

A. No. I mean, that didn't come into my - - -

Q. No, I mean no-one spoke to you about it beforehand, asked you what you thought about it, or anything like that?

A. No.

Q. Jennifer, did you sense that if you could just take it to a third set that, perhaps, your conditioning was better than Martina's?

A. I thought I had, definitely had a pretty good chance to pull it out after winning the second set, and I noticed towards the end of the second set, I mean, she was definitely feeling it also, you know, like I was feeling it. And after that, you know, I thought a ten-minute break there to start the third set, definitely, I should try to regroup a little bit.

Q. Jennifer, did you shower during the break? Did you ice down? What did you do during that ten-minute break?

A. I just kind of laid in the training room on the bed and just - they were, the trainers and everyone were just putting ice on both of us and trying to cool off and, you know, I really - I didn't change or anything. I didn't have the energy to change off, so it was just a matter of just drinking lots and just keeping ice all over.

Q. Jennifer, I mean, you were down four match points; would you say that the suspense of this match, as far as the comeback, rivals last year or, you know, what would you say about that?

A. Yes. It was pretty close. I mean, I don't know what is better, like I said before, winning last year. She was pretty close to getting the revenge, you know, on me, like last year - the same two sets, same scores - you know, so I just, I don't know how I pulled it out. Just on those match points I was really aggressive, and it paid off.

Q. Is there a certain way that you kept your intensity and your fighting spirit out there, despite the conditions, despite the fact that you were down?

A. Yeah. I mean, I knew the conditions were really hot, and they were really hard to handle and that - I mean, even me, I don't really show that much emotion on the court, like when I'm feeling tired or just - you know, I try not to show it, to show the opponent. But I really didn't care, you know, and she was obviously doing the same thing; so, I mean, it's not like we could hide it. I just thought to myself that - I mean, I've done lots of training before this, hard trainings before, and hard sessions and, you know, this is probably the hardest. But, you know, I know that there's always something left in reserve, and I was just going to make myself go to the max. And what happened to me a lot was just taking the tape off my legs when I went for the bathroom break at 3-0 down. I think that even helped me a lot because it was just so hot, and they were too tight, so I just couldn't run that well.

Q. When your father sent over the socks for you, were your feet burning or just - - -

A. Well, I just changed into a pair of socks that they had found for me, and they were just too thin so I was sliding around in them.

Q. When you were in that break, that ten minute break, Jennifer, you said that she was getting iced as well. I mean, are you actually very close to each other? You don't have a chat, do you, or anything, or say, "How are you feeling?" "I'm feeling fine"?

A. No. I think we were just both too tired to even talk, and they were just, the trainers were just busy taking care of both of us.

Q. Jennifer, just to clarify: did you want to go for the ten-minute break?

A. Yeah. No doubt.

Q. Jennifer, what is the best thing about this win for you? I mean, it's a fantastic start for the season again. What does this now hold for your career?

A. Yeah, it's up there with - I had a lot to deal with out there. I had a lot on my shoulders, just being the defending champion, No. 1, trying to keep the No. 1 status, and dealing with the conditions and, you know, even dealing with - I didn't feel like I was playing my best tennis in the beginning, but I really just fought hard out there; so it means a lot to me that, still, you know, as long as you just stay in there and try your hardest and try to fight, you know, it can win you matches, and that's exactly what I did today.

Q. Was the philosophy on each match point that you faced just to really go for it?

A. Yeah, just to really go for it, and it paid off. And, you know, I was doing it on the match points, and why couldn't I really play the same on the other points, you know. But I started to do that more and more, and especially I got more confident after I won the second set, and I definitely played with more confidence in the third set. I remember being ahead nine match points and losing it, so I figured, well, you know, I can do the same thing, I could still have a chance and still win.

Q. Jennifer, are you conscious, now that you have got through your first couple of Grand Slam titles, of a place in history waiting for you if you can win a few more? Where does this put you now, do you think?

A. No, I'm not looking for a place in history. I think, probably I have something already in there. I'm just looking for titles, and that will probably lead to - I mean, it doesn't - I don't care about that.

Q. Jennifer, during the first half of the match, do you think that Martina played at her best level?

A. I think she did play better than she has in a long time. You know, I've played against her in previous matches where she would just blow me away off the court, and that was the best, probably, that she has played. Today was hard to judge because I feel like I wasn't playing my best tennis, so it was just kind of making things a little bit easier for her. But I mean, this is the best she has played in a long, long time, yeah.

Q. Jennifer, have you ever played a match with more heart, where you had more heart?

A. More heart?

Q. Courage, coming back from a harder position?

A. No, I don't think so. I think I played pretty much every match the same. But, I mean, I gave it more this time and - no, I don't think so. I gave it as much as I could.

Q. How did you spend the time between losing to Alexander Stephenson in Sydney and here? Were you working a lot on physical things, on physical training?

A. Yeah. I just continued on what I was doing, and just put that behind me. And, yeah, that gave me more of a chance to train and get used to the conditions over here, and make sure I was well adjusted with everything. You know, for me, being at a Grand Slam just puts me in a different mode anyway. So it's just a different feeling for me. I mean, I want to do well everywhere; but, you know, there's the little difference there.

Q. How much of that training was done in extreme heat?

A. Well, I came here pretty fast after Sydney, and you all know how the weather is here: it just changes and there's a couple of cool days and some hot days. I think we did have a couple of hot, really hot days so that maybe was a little bit of a - it wasn't a shock even though, I don't know, it was pretty shocking today.

Q. Any thoughts on how you'll celebrate? You seem to have a lot of friends here?

A. Yeah, definitely, try to rest a little bit before, and just try to go and have a nice dinner, and see what happens after that.

Q. Jennifer, after a match like that you are obviously very happy; was any of your joy tempered by sympathy for Martina, being so close?

A. No. No, I don't think she would be feeling sorry for me, so - - -

Q. Jennifer, who did you call afterwards on the phone?

A. I talked to my brother, yeah.

Q. And what did he say to you?

A. I don't know. I couldn't understand him. He was just screaming so much. He was with all his friends and they were all watching, and he just said that I have more of something than he does.

Q. Jennifer, where was he?

A. Arizona, where he goes to school.

Q. You got yourself very worked up at a certain stage early in the second set. Did you actually want the referee on the court to change the lines person at that stage?

A. I mean, I really don't know what I was saying. I mean, I was saying that, and I didn't know, like, what even the rules were, if I could even do that; and she was saying "no", and all this. But I was trying to maybe - I was just really frustrated at that point, and I really felt like that call was just ridiculous, and I wouldn't have gone on like that if I hadn't thought it had been clearly out. But it was okay because he left anyway; so that was good.

Q. When was the first time you thought you were going to win today?

A. Well, from the beginning of the match, when I first walked out there, I thought I was going to win or, you know, that's just, of course, trying to be positive, and having a good positive mentality out there. And then as soon as, like, I won the second set, you know, I thought I really have a good chance now. I mean, really, the whole time, even though I was coming from behind, I thought that, you know, I could still win this, and I guess that kind of attitude is what helped me. It's just that I never really thought of myself as being defeated yet out there.

Q. Jennifer, even though you were suffering in the same extreme as Martina was, did it give you a psychological edge when she had the trainer on and she was feeling sick, and you were looking and across at her and thinking "I've got you now"?

A. No. Not at that point. I mean, I just knew when, like, I first came out, when we first came out in the beginning of the third set - I mean, we both stiffened up a lot, and especially from the ice and everything and, you know - I could tell that she wasn't moving the same way; but then she started hitting and going for it a lot more, and she was just hitting harder and she was making more winners, and she was playing really well for those few games so I didn't want to under-estimate, you know, whatever she was feeling. But, I mean, we just - that didn't mean anything, that she had the trainer out. I mean, I was going to call the trainer too, right after that, or I was just asking for the same thing, you know: she was getting her legs rubbed, I'm going to get my legs rubbed.

Q. Does it give you even more satisfaction, Jennifer, that considering all the things that were going on - stops and starts and breaks, and what have you - that you have come through with that trophy? Do you think, as time goes on, you'll reflect on this as probably your finest Grand Slam triumph?

A. I think - I think so, so far. I mean, I don't know what there is to come yet. But, I mean, it was just definitely - this is the most unique victory, I mean, just everything that was going on out there. I mean, we were taking breaks and taking waters in between points, and just sitting down on the chairs, and just so much going on. I mean, this will definitely stand out, for sure.

Q. How is your hip, and what do you make of all the injuries in this year's Open?

A. I mean, I guess, maybe it wasn't a long enough break for everybody; or maybe it's too long of a break and everyone kind of got out of shape, and then got back into playing again, and it was too much for the body. But my hips were fine. I took the tape off and I was fine. I feel fine right now.

Q. Thank you.
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