US OPEN

September 6, 2004

Svetlana Kuznetsova

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Svetlana.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: The match was tough, you know. It was pretty close, first set. But I think I had chances to break her in the first set. I just wasn't really convinced in myself. But I just felt like I can do, I can make a break, you know. Left a little bit, missed some easy balls on her serve. But I felt like match was under my control, you know. So I think this was the most important thing. I feel good and I'm looking forward to play next match.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: We're talking sometimes like in the locker room. We have pretty good friendship, you know. I was like, "If you're fine," when she pull the leg, how she was feeling. So I wish her to recover faster, and that's it.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: She said that she pulled a muscle in the last point in tiebreak.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: I practice in Emilio Sanchez' academy and Sergio Casal. I've practiced there since 14 and it's already five years.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: Sergio Casal.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: Yes

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: Against Mary?

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: No, I beat Justine this year, I beat Venus, I beat Sugiyama. I beat many good players. I did quarters last year in Wimbledon. I'm just looking forward to do my best the next match.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: No. She's not.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: I think she didn't play yet.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: Yeah.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: I played her three times this year. No, four times. I lost three times and one I won. Last time I lost I had good chances. I just wasn't convinced in myself. Now I feel pretty more confident and I feel like I played -- this is my first whole year that I played as many tournaments as I won. Because before I had age eligibility rule. I feel I'm a little mature in my game. I control better my emotions. I know maybe better what to do in difficult moments. So I'm really looking forward to show good game and to do my best in this match.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: I mean, she's just, I mean, one of the biggest players for the moment in the tour. But, I mean, she's a person, and I think I just have to play my game. You know, I have to dictate. You know, if I dictate, I think I win.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: I mean, I know many players, like Elena Dementieva, she does it many times. She calls the trainer. I mean, it's not a secret. I mean, player could be hurt. I'm not saying Mary wasn't hurt. Maybe she was hurt, you know. But you really have to stay focused in this moment and not to think if she's trying to break your rhythm or if she's really painful. You just have to play the same game as you played before.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: The main thing is not to think about it. Otherwise, if you think it hurts my game, it will hurt it. You just play. I mean, of course it does because, you know, I've been 2-Love up. I knew it was important to just take my serve.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: My birthday is during Wimbledon.