WIMBLEDON

July 1, 2002

Monica Seles

MODERATOR: Questions.

MONICA SELES: Well, I played well, was very consistent, wasn't making unforced errors. Tami made probably more than I think she would have liked to. So I was just happy that we got to play finally after the long delay.

MONICA SELES: Well, I mean, it's not easy. All of us have days like that. I've had it. It was just unfortunate it had to be today because she has played so well at Wimbledon. I mean, I think it's her fourth or fifth in a row Round of 16, which is amazing. You know, just one of those days.

MONICA SELES: Definitely, that plays a part. You have a lot of time to wait. We couldn't practice outdoors today. We had to go indoors. So it changes your routine a lot.

MONICA SELES: Oh, yeah, I'm sure. I mean, gosh, she's five years in a row fourth round. I'm sure she wants to improve upon that and get to the quarterfinals or further.

MONICA SELES: Oh, she keeps the ball very low and on grass. It's very difficult. Her balls come very fast. She has great angles. She plays very aggressively.

MONICA SELES: Well, I shouldn't say that as an opponent. I don't think it's good to do that.

MONICA SELES: Yes.

MONICA SELES: Each match is different. That was my 10th week in a row on the Tour. I was very tired in that match. You know, she and I in the past have always played close matches. This was I think one or two breaks in each match. Each match is different. You can't compare them.

MONICA SELES: I'll stay out of this one. I'll just answer tennis-related questions. Sorry.

MONICA SELES: Well, Justine loves to play on grass. She had her best result here. It's a very difficult match in front of me tomorrow, and I have to play some great tennis. You know, the best player will win.

MONICA SELES: Yeah, but each four times has been very close. It's been like 7-5 in the third or something like that. You know, this is probably the surface that suits the best her game. I know I have a very tough opponent tomorrow. I think she wants to repeat her performance of last year and go maybe one better. I'm just looking forward to a very tough match.

MONICA SELES: Oh, gosh, I don't know. I mean, it's hard for me to go back to 17, 18. I mean, obviously it's very different. You just have a lot more responsibilities. It depends on the player. Some players have other people do stuff for them, other players like to do stuff themselves. I think it varies a lot. It just depends.

MONICA SELES: Matches?

MONICA SELES: Some players draw on experience. In the past, when I was a young teenager, such players would beat me because they had so much experience of playing tactical tennis. And the same probably right now, too.