PACIFIC LIFE OPEN

March 8, 2003

Nathalie Dechy

MODERATOR: Questions for Nathalie.

NATHALIE DECHY: Yeah, I played a good tournament last week. I had a tough draw this week, so I was kind of expecting what was going on. But it was a good match today for me.

NATHALIE DECHY: I didn't really think that she was having some like problems on the court. I knew that she was coming back from an injury, so it's not easy to take like a month off and to be back straightaway on a tournament where you played so well last year. But on the court I didn't pay attention to anything. I just played the match.

NATHALIE DECHY: Maybe it's always the good timing when I come here, I don't know. I really like this tournament. I really like the surface. Each time, it's true, I'm playing well here. I don't know. Just keep going.

NATHALIE DECHY: Last week I lost to Capriati.

NATHALIE DECHY: I really was able to make some winners at the end, to step into the court and to really push her to make the mistake. So because at the end of the second set, it was a tough games. It was really the moment to do it. I really did it at that time, so it was good.

NATHALIE DECHY: Well, it's always hard to be hundred percent on the first round, so I knew if I was really good with my game, she would have some trouble with it. So I just thought about that. Yeah, I think she was -- you know, she's still playing well, but maybe she's not like at the same level when you are first round than when you are in the final. But it's the game, it's the tournament, so you have to be ready for the tournament.

NATHALIE DECHY: Yes, uh-huh, yeah, for sure.

NATHALIE DECHY: Because I have two extra years. But even if the ranking is still not there, I feel like I'm improving a lot. My game is really getting more strong like on the last two or three months. I really work hard this winter, and it's really getting back very good.

NATHALIE DECHY: Yes, and not being able to see the ball also, I guess (laughter).

NATHALIE DECHY: For sure it's always frustrating to see that you still working, and maybe what you're working on was not the right way I was supposed to play. Maybe also then I start losing some confidence because you're not winning the matches that you were winning the year before. So I just, yeah, tried to forget what I did last year and come back better on this year. And it worked.

NATHALIE DECHY: Well, I don't want to just always make the compare, like to compare between the two years. I just want to enjoy and have fun on the court, and then, for sure, the wins will come. I just don't want to.

NATHALIE DECHY: Because I think I really enjoy this place. I just feeling well. Also I always coming from -- most of the time some good indoor tournaments, so I feel confident. Then when I arrive here, it's good timing.

NATHALIE DECHY: It's a long way to the final.