An Interview With Anna Kournikova

Q: You were qualified for the semis last year as well, so this is your second consecutive year, did you like the way you played today's match?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Yes, I am definitely happy that I am back in the semifinals. It is a good result. I always like to play in this tournament. I play quite consistently here, so that is good. Yes, I think that I played well this match. The last time I played I lost to Anne. She is a tough player, she keeps the ball in play and she moves really well, so you really always have to be ready and on guard. But, I think that I played aggressive enough and just tried to play my game, though I did lose my concentration in the first set a little bit after being up five-one. You know I started off really well and then lost my concentration, but I was happy the way I closed out the second set. In general, I think it was a good match.

Q: Now you are going to meet with Monica, so how confident are you in winning?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, obviously Monica is one of the greatest players ever. She pulled out a tough match today, seven-six, seven-six, so she is obviously tough and on these courts she serves well and hits the ball hard. So, I am definitely going to have my hands full tomorrow and I am just looking forward to it. To play against a top player is always fun, and I am definitely looking forward to it and will do my best.

Q: Do you feel fresh right now or do you still feel kind of rusty in your game?

ANNA KOURNIKOVA: Well, the last match I played before this tournament was two weeks ago at the Australian Open, because I lost pretty early. So, I wasn't very tired, I just played doubles with Martina and I wasn't playing singles, so I am pretty fresh. I am pretty fine, although these courts can make you a little bit sore. I had two pretty comfortable wins and then yesterday was a little bit tougher. I think that right now, this minute, I am feeling fine. Maybe tomorrow I will be a little bit sore, but I think it will be fine.