AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 23, 2001

Monica Seles

MODERATOR: Questions for Monica.

MONICA SELES: Yeah, definitely. I mean, both men's and women's tennis is a lot tougher physically. Today was really a tough match out there I think for both of us, a lot of running and hard-hitting.

MONICA SELES: Well, I just pretty much -- Jennifer lifted her game and I think I went the other way. I think my serve really let me down. Started off very slow in the third set. She just fought a lot harder and I think wanted to win a lot more today than I did.

MONICA SELES: Not so much. You get them both ways at different times in different matches. But today I think was just a case that she was better, she played better at the key points.

MONICA SELES: Not so much. I think I've been struggling with my game the last three weeks. As I said, it was kind of surprising that I even made it this far because I never felt really comfortable, even in Sydney, coming to Melbourne, for different reasons. Thank goodness for doubles because I think that kind of kept me at least playing and not worrying, stressing out so much. I just have to assess it and try not to repeat the same mistake as coming into these last two tournaments as I did.

MONICA SELES: I think I left a little bit of energy three weeks ago, just with my preparations, a lot of things not being so clear workout-wise and stuff like that. I'm not used to that. It's been a lesson learned the last few weeks, what I can do, what I cannot do. Definitely I played another doubles match after Justine's match. If I had a letdown, I would have felt it yesterday a little bit, not so much today.

MONICA SELES: Right now I don't know where I'm going to play next. I mean, in terms of my preparation, right now I still have the doubles to worry. I'm just happy I'm having a day off tomorrow, then just try to, you know, pick up my game because our next doubles match could be really tough one, I think, whoever wins. I'm just really focused on that.

MONICA SELES: Each one is very different. The last three that I lost, I lost to really the person that won the tournament, I think except Lindsay. This one was very different, I mean, just the way that I played this tournament, compared to the other one was really not up to par. You know, at least I tried to fight. The match previously I won because of that. Today that just wasn't enough. Jennifer was too good. So definitely it's frustrating when you keep losing in the quarters. What else can I say about that?

MONICA SELES: I didn't really get a chance to see it, so I don't even know what it was, so I can't comment on that.

MONICA SELES: I think you would have to ask a security person. I'm no expert on that.

MONICA SELES: No, no. All I did was just change shirts. My shirt was soaking wet. It was just uncomfortable. I just decided I wanted to change. Unfortunately the locker rooms are so far away, it took longer than usual. Not my fault.

MONICA SELES: I really was surprised when that happened I think in '98 when I had to play Graf and then I had to play Martina. I thought it was really crazy in a Grand Slam to do that. It's much better, which was previously, that you play the fourth round, the quarters. A few of the players, when we were talking in the locker room, agree with that. That's always up to the tournament. I mean, hopefully they'll take in the players' recommendation. Ultimately, it's their decision.

MONICA SELES: That year, definitely. It was really tough. You come back, you finish your match at 5:00, and next day play first at 11:00. I think it's going to be tough, whoever wins that match between Martina and Serena, probably to face again probably Venus. She still has to beat Amanda.

MONICA SELES: Myself? No, I'm not on the committee anymore. I think a few players that are on the it now, they will try, I'm sure.

MONICA SELES: I think so. I just don't see no reason why, when the rounds are definitely easier from the first to the fourth round, why you couldn't play back to back than when the rounds get tougher. I think even here with all of us playing doubles, kind of being set up in the same area of the draw, it becomes difficult for the tournament, like even tomorrow, how to schedule because of the doubles.

MONICA SELES: Well, right now I don't know. I mean, I'm just really happy to be playing doubles here with Martina. I really have no idea. But if the opportunity comes, definitely. We'd make a good team. She's a great player. I mean, very similar to my game. One of us would have to attack the net a little more.