US OPEN

August 31, 2000

Lilia Osterloh

Q. Can you talk about the end of that second set, she goes -- did you think she was just going to go to the rest room; then she didn't come back or how did it happen?

LILIA OSTERLOH: After the second set I just thought okay, third set, last -- final set, let us just battle it out and she took a bathroom break. I noticed like she was really red in the face. It was really humid out, and we were moving each other side to side, just having fun out there and I didn't know it was that severe and I said I was playing really well out there. I fought hard to come back in the first and I was on a mission and it was -- second set she just let loose and started hitting winners down the line out of really nowhere. But I really had no idea that she would have to retire. I hope I can play her again.

LILIA OSTERLOH: I didn't have the stopwatch on me. I know the rule is like when the trainer is called, out it is 3 minutes. Then they had to wait for the doctor. That was the rule, so she had to retire.

LILIA OSTERLOH: I just know she was cramping. That is really -- because she was like in the bathroom secluded so I really didn't see any of it.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Well, I like humid conditions, but it was hot. When the sun came out it felt pretty brutal, but I mean, the conditions, we both have to deal with.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Yeah.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Yes, and Ohio, and it is very humid in both places so -- and I like the heat even though I grew up in Ohio, I still like it. And yeah, I feel good. I feel good about my game and ready to go play some mixed doubles.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Well, I mean, it is my third year on tour and I really want to make the next jump into the top 50 and this should help, so just want to gradually work my way up. As long as I am feeling good, good things will happen.

LILIA OSTERLOH: My parents played recreationally at a local club. My older sister played and she attended a university in Chicago.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Yes. And really what inspired me was just watching Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and watching them at Wimbledon and I wanted to be there some day and I stuck with it. I did a lot of sports when I was younger, gymnastics mainly, and basketball, but tennis was like the main one I had a lot of success in and I really enjoyed that.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Nothing really changed. It was just I had a good tournament but it helps, but it is just another tournament. It is Wimbledon, but yet it is not that big of a deal. But I was really happy that I did well there.

LILIA OSTERLOH: This is one of my favorite tournaments and I feel really comfortable here. I think that shows when I am playing on the court.

LILIA OSTERLOH: Billy Stearns. He is out in Sarasota, Florida. I also work with Ola Malmquist who is with the U.S.T.A., and they have been working together here and also Lynne Rolley helps me out, so it is a good team to have and it is a good circle. Billy, I don't know, you will have to work with him. I mean, I can't really give away any of his secrets. It is just something that he has.