US OPEN

August 28, 2000

Monica Seles

MODERATOR: Questions for Monica.

MONICA SELES: Well, as always, you just try to look at the first match. I was really happy that I got to play some matches last week because I had to pull out of a couple of tournaments because of my injury. I've been playing some consistent tennis. I haven't, you know, been able to play as well as I'd like to against players like Venus. But that's one thing that keeps me motivated, just to try to get better against those two, three players in the world right now.

MONICA SELES: I think really just her height obviously helps tremendously on her serve and her physical power. She runs down balls that other players probably would not get to, makes you hit an extra ball. Just the sheer size of her, the balls are coming back at such a fast pace at you. She's cut down a lot her errors. Since Wimbledon, she's a lot more confident.

MONICA SELES: I mean, I can't speak for other players. You'd have to ask everyone individual. I for sure don't, so that's all I can answer.

MONICA SELES: Well, they bring so much excitement, I think, to the tennis. It was so great to see them in the Wimbledon semis, just to see two sisters play. I got to know them well last year at Fed Cup in Italy. I'm looking forward to being their teammates also in the Olympics and again at Fed Cup in November. Just I think they bring a whole new audience to tennis. They're going to inspire a lot of other young girls and boys to start to play tennis. I think it's just going to be great. I mean, we already see that it's great. I think it's just going to get better and better.

MONICA SELES: I think it takes a lot of hard work, which I think they both have. They're so lucky to have each other because they can push each other. They have the best practice partners in the world. They have company, too. They have a huge advantage. They seem to have a great sister relationship, which I think is really important, same with their parents. If they continue as they are, I think it's just going to be fantastic.

MONICA SELES: I don't know. I think I elected not to play the first Olympics in my career. Suddenly Atlanta, when it came around, was really important to me. Probably just becoming a US citizen not too long before. My father was an alternate for the triple jump Olympic team. I thought it would be nice to continue some form of a tradition. This year, I really don't know why. When I was away from the tour for those six months, I worried more about not making the Olympic team than not winning a tournament. I sensed it was really important to me. I don't know. I really don't know.

MONICA SELES: I really don't. But I am so excited to be going. I think for me, I love to play, but I think just seeing all the other great athletes competing and just being in the Village, seeing the athletes you see on TV and admire was a bigger inspiration for me in Atlanta than myself playing. I am still wishy-washy on tennis being in the Olympics.

MONICA SELES: Definitely. I loved the two weeks in Atlanta. The whole two weeks were fantastic. It's such a nice change from the regular grind of the tour. Sydney is one of my favorite places to go.

MONICA SELES: It's not a team format.

MONICA SELES: I would rather it would be. But the Olympics, my personal view is so confusing, because in some sports you allow professionals to compete, then in some you don't. You have some athletes who couldn't care less and some who care a lot about it. But I love to see it. Tennis is so individual, you take Fed Cup, Team Tennis, it doesn't get as much exposure than when you take the individual events.

MONICA SELES: I knew going out I was pretty confident. I practiced with Tracy down at my friend's house in Orlando a couple years back. I know her family. I haven't seen her in quite awhile, haven't played with her. I knew she would have a big serve. It's a big occasion for her. I just thought if I stayed focused out there, I should be okay.