U.S. OPEN

September 2, 1995

Nicole Arendt

NICOLE ARENDT: She blissed me 6-Love. I was extremely nervous going out, and it showed in my game. I was very erratic. She was consistent and just waited until I made mistakes. That is really all it was. It went very quickly. I mean, I hit the 20-minute mark, I think that was lucky, with the first set. She really -- she was -- she came out; just played steady. I made all the mistakes in the first set. I settled down in the second; started playing my game, was a little tougher, but she played well. She played really well, and I am actually glad she is not retiring. She is such a good player.

NICOLE ARENDT: Yeah, just -- I mean, I am not one that gets -- actually here, I have been playing on stadium grandstand every year except one. So I really guess I shouldn't have a reason, but I think it was just more because there was a chance and when there is a chance and you want to take it and if you are nervous, that means you think you do have a chance, and it got to me a little bit too much. If we had started the second set, I think it would have been a bit different. Maybe if we would have played three out of five, it would have been different, but we don't.

NICOLE ARENDT: Can't hear you.

NICOLE ARENDT: Yes, I played her in July in Team Tennis; she wasn't as aggressive as she was today. I think she has gotten confidence back. She is on top of her game again, and it is tough to beat her when she is playing like this.

NICOLE ARENDT: Yeah, this year I have gotten to know her better because I am on the Board, and when we get to do some business, besides playing, the tennis business, yeah, she is very good for the game. And, you know, I understand why she wanted to retire, but now she is really playing some great tennis, and you don't want to lose that. I think the spectators don't want to lose that. And why go out when you are playing that kind of tennis, so I really am happy for her.

NICOLE ARENDT: Oh, no. This is the best I have done in this Grand Slam. I have always lost first or second round, so, no, I didn't even think that. I am glad I didn't.

NICOLE ARENDT: Yeah, I think her chances are good. Conchita is tough, so it is -- it will be difficult, especially the high kicking balls that Conchita gives you, I don't think Zina is going to like that very much. But if Zina attacks like she did today, and keeps Conchita off guard and not giving her a lot of rhythm, it could be a good match. It could happen, another upset.

NICOLE ARENDT: Today I had definitely didn't choke. It was more just playing -- executing better. I think I made a lot of easy mistakes. Unforced errors may have been a bit high, but I went after it, so I am pleased. Each match got better for me and yeah, we are getting closer to that bull's eye.