adidas International

January 7, 2003

Jennifer Capriati

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, so... But it is the start of the year, my first match back. So it's to be expected that I'm not going to play the greatest my first match.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I think in these conditions it's tough because she gets a lot of balls back, and, you know, she's consistent. So, you know, it's the first match and you're trying to find your rhythm, find your groove. She's difficult to play because she doesn't give you many chances.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: No, I mean...

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I mean, what can I do? I mean, I've just got to forget about it and think about next week.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Well, it doesn't really set me back at all. I mean, I just got a good match in, and just have more time to practice now and get used to the conditions over there.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: It really doesn't matter either way. I think I will still feel comfortable.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: It's fine. I mean, I think it's pretty difficult for anyone to kind of see out there with the glare. You can't really wear glasses. So it's something that I tried, and it works.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah. I mean, it's tough to really gauge, you know, with the wind and the conditions. I mean, it's like impossible to see where your game's really at. I mean, everything's just going all over the place out there. It's just the conditions are really tough. And I, you know, have trouble with this tournament every year, so that's why I don't let it get me down too much. Because at least, you know, I know that this is the toughest. If I can get through this, I can get through anything, so...

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Well, I think I'll still have some workouts, some workouts and practice and try to run outside and try to get used to the conditions. I came from home, and usually it's really hot around this time and this year it was pretty cold. So I'm not really as used to the heat as I usually am, so...

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I just answer questions about my game. I have no comment about that.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I mean, I think that was -- I was hitting out on my shots. I had a lot of opportunities to maybe come to net some more, but I wasn't as confident. And the wind, it didn't feel like I could gauge my game that well with the conditions. So overall, I feel like I'm striking the ball well, and I just got to, you know, be more consistent and get the rust out a little bit.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I feel about the same.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, of course I'm confident. Last year I had a loss here also. So, you know, you could ask me the same question, Does it set me back? Does it this, that, whatever? But no. I mean, it starts -- for me, it starts over in a Grand Slam. I think I raise my level automatically.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, more or less about the same. Maybe the only thing is just the heat. Maybe I got a little more tired out there just 'cause I'm not used to it completely. But I think a few more days. And still, I mean, the time change, I haven't been sleeping that well since I got here. I just arrived about, you know, three days ago.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Either way, I don't feel anything - more, less. I'm just going in to play my game. I mean, the only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself. Last year I was quite nervous going into it, and, you know, I crossed that battle. This year I'm defending, but still, it's like I've done that already so I'm not as nervous going into it.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I don't know.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Not really. I'd rather lose here than there, that's for sure, yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Just some zinc oxide. It's supposed to be for the glare, I don't know. You've probably seen a lot of baseball players, people like that, football players, wearing it.