THE LIPTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 24, 1999

Barbara Schett

MIKE BROEKER: Questions in English first for Barbara?

BARBARA SCHETT: Yes, I think so, too. I think I never found my rhythm today and I really expected that it was going to be a tougher match than just being out on the court for 45 minutes or something like that. So maybe I wanted it too much today and, as I said, I never found my rhythm today, especially my serve was really bad, and without a serve you can't beat the No. 1, for sure.

BARBARA SCHETT: Well, she didn't have to do too much today. I think I missed a lot of shots and she's playing very consistently, I think, as always. I give her a good chance to win the tournament.

BARBARA SCHETT: No, not at all. I was really -- when I was warming up, I really was feeling good and I was happy to play against her today. I was feeling really great. But when I was out on the court, I just didn't feel the ball anymore. I had no rhythm at all.

BARBARA SCHETT: To Hilton Head. I'm starting tomorrow practicing on clay, and Friday we are going to go to Hilton Head.

BARBARA SCHETT: Yes, I think that was the problem today. I really stepped out on the court and thought I'm going to beat her today and I wanted it a little bit too much, I think. When I think about Sydney, I was going out on the court and thought I'm going to lose, and I was really relaxed, then I almost beat her. And today I was exactly the opposite side and I'll never do that again, I think, to go out on the court and be sure that I'll beat someone.

BARBARA SCHETT: Actually already after the second game I thought it. Yes, I didn't -- I never felt that I have my rhythm and with the serve, I really tried in the second set again. I thought it is a new start, just give it a try, but I never felt right. I was missing so much and it was not my day. It happens in tennis. That's why it's so interesting, I think.

BARBARA SCHETT: Well, that's a difficult question. I think Martina has definitely a very good chance, but there is Lindsay and Serena, Venus and Steffi, so I really -- it's hard to say. It is going to be very interesting. I think nobody can say who is going to win this tournament.

BARBARA SCHETT: Well, she didn't do -- she didn't have to do too much, I think. She was just not missing. I think she was -- it was me. I made too many mistakes. She didn't have to do too much, I think, today. That was the problem.