THE LIPTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 26, 1998

Anna Kournikova

Q. What was the difference after the first set?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, I think in the first set, obviously I made a lot of unforced errors. I tried to go -- because she has -- they look easy, the top high balls. I tried to go for winners. But it was very difficult to find rhythm. Unbelievable strong wind today. It was going around. It was not like going to one side. I had to find my rhythm a little bit. You know, I started to play in the second set a little bit more aggressive. So that was the big difference, I think.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Oh, yeah, terrible week (laughter).

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, probably shows everybody that I can play.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Exactly. It's not just -- it didn't happen just one time, you know, unexpectedly. I proved to everybody that I can play good tennis, a lot of matches in a row.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Oh, it's definitely best time of my life right now, for sure. I'm enjoying it really a lot, having a great time. Even when I was playing, I really enjoyed. Even after I lost the first set, I thought, "Wow, this is great, I'm playing." I was not nervous at all. All these matches I'm surprised, but I'm not nervous at all.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Like I said, I started to play more aggressively. I started to attack her forehand more. I didn't try to go for winners right away. I kept the ball three, four, five times in, and then I went -- when I had a good shot to go for, I went for it. I started to come into the net much more probably.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Me?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I don't think, not in the first set. I think in the first set, I made a lot of unforced errors. In the second set and third set, I think both my forehand and backhand worked really well.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, it's great, of course. I'm not going to try to get overexcited about it. Of course, I'm enjoying it a lot. I'm looking really forward to it.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Yes. I saw the semifinals today.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Today, the semifinals I think was difficult for both of them, for Martina and Venus. I think they were both a little bit tired in the third set. I mean, there's a lot of changes right now in this tournament, in women's tennis. It's going to be something different, something new. I've never played Venus before. Going to be a new experience for me.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I think she used that just like as an excuse. I don't think she really meant that. Probably, of course, she's tired. I understand she's been on top for already quite a long time. Of course, you get tired. You know, you should just take a couple weeks off, get ready for another tournament. But right now, I mean, I feel great. I played Indian Wells. I practiced for a week here. I get ready for a tournament. I play. I'm not tired at all. You may be tired physically, but not mentally. I mean, physically everybody gets tired.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I'm almost like from this country. I've been here since I'm nine. But, I mean, the crowd obviously wants to see a good match. I hope they're enjoying it. I play for the fans. Like I always said, I always play for the fans. If they're having a great time, it's great for me.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: It's hard to say. You know, I just try to play my game. I will not try to adjust to her game. We'll see. I haven't really thought about it. I was just concentrating before my match and yesterday on today's match. I didn't even think about it yet.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I think I'm doing at the net not bad always.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Definitely. This is hardcourts. I try to go to the net as much as possible, every opportunity I try to take. I think that was why the big difference today. In the first set, I didn't come to the net probably a lot. So, you know, I really enjoy playing at the net. I think I can make any shots at the net.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I was just trying to forget about the point that was just played, just trying to concentrate next. I wasn't tired. I felt actually great. I slept whole day today.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: No.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: It's going to be a new experience for me, of course. Just going to get ready for that match. I haven't thought about that match yet.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I was just thinking about the match I just played. I haven't yet time to think about the next match.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Play doubles.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: What kind of special preparation? No. Regular, the same, usual.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: -- Fed Cup? It's your favorite question, isn't it?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Like I said, nobody from my country have talked to me yet, still. So I have no idea.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Good to know. Like I said, nobody has ever told me anything officially, unofficially. I have no idea what's going on.

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I'm playing the final first. Then we'll talk about the win. I can't say what if, what if. I'm just getting ready for my next match.