US OPEN

August 27, 1998

Mary Joe Fernandez

Q. What kind of day has it been for you?

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Very long and tiring day.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Tired, for sure. It was tough coming back today. Yesterday, with the rain delays and the match the way it was, I could have finished it off yesterday and didn't. Coming back one set-all, a lot of stress for that one set and like every point is a big point, so I think you feel it even more. Then having to come back and play Julie was tough. I played a good first set. I had opportunities and didn't convert as much as I needed to and then really, I think both matches -- physically, I got fatigued.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Yeah, not so much the heat, just, I think, in general. I played more matches than I have played in a long time. No matter how much you train and work out it is not the same going out there and competing and getting nervous. Having to deal with the stressful situations takes a lot more out of you.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I feel like I have just been out on the court all day. I just got up, had breakfast and hit a little bit before my first match and played that third set, and then had about an hour, hour and 15 minutes before my next match. Played that, had another hour and played my doubles.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: No, I think she felt like she had to do more because I was a little bit tired and they were picking on me, so I think she felt like, okay, I've got to help you out. But they are very good, so it was hard to move and do a lot of stuff. I mean, I definitely think it was more me than her.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Yeah, most definitely.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Which it has been great. Every match I play is a bonus. So playing three singles matches is good for me and hopefully will be good not only for next week at the Open, but in general for the next few tournaments in the next few months.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I was really tired. I kind of hit a wall. Actually after that really long game at 5-4, I felt all right, and then played one -- the first point of the next game just really like felt it, felt fatigued and it was hard because you had to struggle with every point against Julie. She wasn't giving me anything. I had to work hard to earn my points. It was discouraging that first set.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I am sure I have had a few of these. It comes with the territory.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Not bad. (yawns) excuse me, I am tired. Not bad. A little bit tired, but I think to be expected.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: I just go to New York, practice there over the weekend and start up on Monday or Tuesday.

MARY JOE FERNANDEZ: Tomorrow is definitely off.