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| Capriati crashes out |
January, 13th 2003
Australian Open
Defending champion Jennifer Capriati crashed out of
Australian Open 2003 this evening, falling in three sets to Marlene
Weingartner of Germany.
The American looked to be cruising at a set and a break up but the match
swung suddenly in Weingartner's favour and from then on in, despite some
impressive shot-making, it was an uphill battle for the world's No.3 player.
"Physically I felt I started to get a bit tired (in the second set) and
she just got on a roll there," said a visibly disappointed Capriati
after the match. "I felt the momentum swing and physically and mentally I
wasn't quite there I guess."
The American, who underwent surgery for an eye condition a week after
the 2002 season-ending WTA Championships in Los Angeles said she was
disappointed and that recovery from operations to both her eyes had
restricted her preparation for her title defense.
"In a lot of ways I'm disappointed of course but I've got to look on the
positive side. I came here as defending champion and maybe I didn't feel
quite myself but I put myself on the line anyway and I have to give
myself credit for that... even if I went out the loser."
However the two-time Australian Open champion was quick to give her opponent credit for her
career-best performance. "She just hit really great shots out there," she said.
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