TENNIS MASTERS SERIES - ROMA

May 15, 2002

Jelena Dokic

JELENA DOKIC: Uhm, it's not that easy. You know, it's good to come back. I had a really good time here last year. I did well. And, you know, it set up the whole year for me, I had a really good year last year. And it all started here. So, you know, I'm really happy to be back. And just hope to be in the tournament for as long as I can.

JELENA DOKIC: You know, I would criticize her also. I don't think it was -- you know, I've pulled out a few times and, you know, it was really bad to be happening at such a, you know, such a good tournament. I mean, it's so tough to so many players here. And for her to pull out of the top half there just makes things so much different. But I guess she just wanted to give herself as much time as, you know, she can get to try and get better. It's not a good situation for the tournament and for the draw also. But that's the way it happens, and that's the way the rules are.

JELENA DOKIC: No, you know, she started to play better, and I missed a few easy ones. There were a few line calls also. And things just turned. You know, I did get back to 4-3 and I played two really bad games. But, you know, I turned it all around again in the third set, which is good. And considering that I lost to her last time and she's been playing well, you know, I'm happy to get such a, you know, a win over such a, you know, good player that's been playing well on clay - and it's even tougher on red clay.

JELENA DOKIC: I got here a little bit late and I've just been trying to get -- you know, I was injured last week so I've just been trying to get back. And, you know, we went into the city a few times this year, last year, and, you know, every year that I've been here, so... You know, I try and go. Not a lot, but, you know, I try and go a little bit.

JELENA DOKIC: Like I said before, it's been a really good tournament for me. I like playing here. I think the site is great, and it's one of the better ones. You know, I think I have a really good relationship with the fans here and with the people. And, you know, it's been really good coming back here - and every year. And I've done very well here every year.

JELENA DOKIC: I've played both of them before. I played Myskina just two weeks ago. You know, they're very different players. Whoever gets through, I think it will be difficult. It's not an easy match. But I really, really don't mind who gets through.