THE LIPTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 19, 1998

Jennifer Capriati

Q. Bring us up to date, will you? You played in Philadelphia, what has been going on?

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Well, I played in Philly. I really hurt my arm badly.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: It has just been from everything. I mean, it was a problem that I even had before. It just -- it really flared up. I guess I started to play more and started to hit it a little more, so it flared up on me. So I just decided to take that time to rest that and then use that to try to get more in shape, physical shape, conditioning. And just Australia was too soon, and I just -- I wanted to start here.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Just, I mean, because I like this place. Feels like home. Feels comfortable here. And I know it well, so...

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Well, Florida, but all over Florida. Still in Tampa.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I felt great out there. I felt I started to truly get into it and I had all kinds of energy going on before I went out, you know. I was, like, nervous and anxious going out there. I mean, it has been a while since I have played a match. So I think before, you know, I really started to settle down. It was too late by then.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah. What do you mean?

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I do want to do this. I mean, it is up to me to decide, you know, and I am not going to rush things. I am not going to do everything else that everybody wants. I want to do what I want.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Just the basic love of the game, you know, just tennis, just the adrenaline rush, really, playing well. And it is just -- it is a goal for me, you know, to see if I can do it, come back to the level.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: What?

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah. But I think this is the test of oneself. And, I mean, there is just -- I feel like I have just been in sort of constant fight, you know, but it is just -- it is getting easier. So, it is something that I want to continue.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: That would be great. And I don't know how quick. Maybe next week, I don't know.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I think Hilton Head. Hilton Head, the clay court season starting. It is already next week.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I think all that. And just, I mean, the confidence -- not really sure where I should hit this shot or that shot. Obviously, I mean, I doublefaulted a lot, and that is just confidence for me. It has been hard, because I keep -- seems like I am just always trying to come back. But now I really think, you know, that I am going to continue playing. I have had, like, a lot of injuries. But now I feel pretty good.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I don't know, the minimum, maybe more. As much as I can.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I think so. Just -- is it raining out there now?

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I mean, I think I was starting to really play well and just find -- finding my rhythm. But, I mean, she is a tough player to play. She played well. She likes the hard ball and she hits it well, so it was tough.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Confidence and just, you know, with that, I mean, I am more aggressive and I think I am still not aggressive.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Now and then. No, he is pretty good, so; lucky to have him.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: No, I still don't have, like, a full-time coach. I am trying people, you know, so different tournaments it has been different people.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, my father -- I mean, when I am home in Saddle Brook I train there. And my dad, he will always be my coach.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I would say I like the way Pete plays, Pete Sampras.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah. And, I think Borg, too. Bjorn Borg.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Just because he was just, I mean, so fluid and just, you know, amazing. And he didn't even play for that long.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Only on TV, performing time.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Right now he hasn't made a decision about college yet. So, I mean, he can't play juniors anymore, so...

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: 18. I guess, you know, he will -- he really hasn't decided. He would love to play the Tour, but, I mean, you know --

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah. It is his last year.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: No. I mean, I think -- I just tell him do what he feels, do what is in his heart, what he really wants and, you know, really think about it and don't do anything that he might regret later.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Maybe, you know, going to college. Maybe he should take that opportunity now, take advantage.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Well, of course, it is always difficult, but got to do it.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Just tonight.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I don't know. I have this thing with red lately. I like red.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yeah, I mean, at least I didn't get blown off the court. And it was so quick and felt like -- that I had like a small chance out there. So, it was a start for me, actually.