PACIFIC LIFE OPEN

March 11, 2002

Daniela Hantuchova

MODERATOR: Questions for Daniela.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yes, yes, I'm very happy that I finally got through this match, beat No. 7 in the world. It's my best win so far. So I'm really happy the way I play today and felt really strong on the court physically, mentally. I was just happy that my whole game came together out there. Yeah, I showed good tennis today.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, a little bit. At that game, I was a little bit struggling because, you know, I knew that I was close to a big win. But at the same time, I wanted to concentrate on every point. I made some easy mistakes at that time. With players like this, you cannot afford it. So then she took the chance, she broke me. But then I broke her back and finished the match. So I was very happy.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I think mentally I'm much stronger. I got more experience. I knew exactly what to do in every time. I think the shot selection was much better today. I didn't give her any chances to come back, except that one game by 5-2. Yeah, I just took my chance today and finish it properly, like I didn't last time. I think that was the biggest difference that, that I really took my chance today and I didn't let her to come back.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah. I mean, right from the beginning I felt like I can win this match. I was just concentrating on every point, but also thinking all the time that I'm going to win this match.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, of course, it does. Especially in the last couple of days, I was in the practicing, very happy the way I played. I played with very good players. I played with Justine, I played with Martina. I was feeling very confident. Of course, when I played her in the practice, I didn't give her any chance, the same I did in the match today. So I was very happy what I did in the practice I did also in the match because you are under the pressure, it's much tougher, but I did it.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I think it's more for practice. Well, a little bit, yeah, to get used to the pace of their shots. But, yeah, I have played with almost all of the top players, except some of them, so I know what to expect from them.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Of course, it did prove a lot to me because I knew I had so many chances against these players, and I haven't used them. Today I did. I took my chance and win this very tough match for me mentally, because I knew I played her before, and I was close to win before. Today, it just everything came together. So I'm very happy.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Like you mean?

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Not really, because practice is something totally different than a match. Sometimes you don't have to play good in the practice, and then you play great in the match. Then it's also the other way. So depends. But doesn't scared me at all.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, today I think I beat the toughest opponent in my section. But every match is different. Also the other players are tough. But I know I have my chances now, so I going to try to use them, but just do it from match to match and concentrate just on the next round.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I'm 18 and I have been on the tour since '98.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I used to, especially in winter. For three years, I used to train there.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I used to work there with Nick, but he was not traveling on the tournaments. Then I met Nigel Sears. We decided to work together. We're very happy the way things are going at the moment. I'm enjoying the work with him right now.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Of course, I do, especially after beating Henin today. Gave me a lot of confidence. But, you know, every match is different, so I have to just be keep focusing and trying to do always my best and see how it goes.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I mean, it's a great thing to work with somebody like that, to have her on the line whenever I need her. So far there has not been many things that I needed to ask her or something. It's great that I know that she's always there. I think that's great.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yes, we did. Because I'm playing so many singles and doubles, too, I haven't had much free time. Of course, when I will have them, then we will talk more.