An Interview With Anna Kournikova

Q: It was the first time for you, that you’ve played against her. How did you feel?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: I think, you’ve seen, that it was a long match. We’ve played long points. She didn’t make any faults. She ran after every ball and brought it back. Because of that I had to be very patient. I had to go in the balls. But she just played on, so that I had to make the points myself. Also when I mis-hit, I tried to make my points. I think for the first match it wasn’t bad.

Q: Not many top players had to go through something like you last week in the Fed Cup. You’ve lost three games. Did it impress your self-confidence?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Definitely not. All of them were tough matches, but it was big tennis. It could have been ended one way or another. It’s great to play for the team. It all were good fights, and I can say, that every match was a good match. I think, everybody could see, that it was nice tennis.

Q: In comparison with the Fed Cup, what do you think of your performances today?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: They are different. I mean, to play for the team or here is different. Everything is different. The fans, the players, everything. I think more and I’m calmer. On the other side are more emotions in the game. It’s going up and down. If I’m winning a point, I’m happy, if I’m losing one, I’m disappointed. Here I’m more balanced, calmer and I know my rhythm.

Q: You are the first time at this location. Who do you like the stadium?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Oh, I like it very much. I didn’t see, that It’s so big.

Q: How do you like Hamburg?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: It’s wonderful. But I’m only here since 1½ days. Yesterday I walked a little bit around. It’s nice. I like the pond, which is the town centre.