May, 4th 2004
Capriati D Schruff 6-3, 6-1
Q. It looked more difficult than the result indicated?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yes, I think the first set was tough. It was going back
and forward. She is a good player and hit some good shots. I think I was
able to stay strong on my serve and kind of figured out what she is trying to do, but still was able to play my game. I got into
a good rhythm.
Q. Do you still have problems with your back or are you 100%?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I wouldn't say that it is a 100%, but then, it never will
be. But, it will not inhibit my game. I just have to
take care. It's nothing that's detrimental to my career.
Q. How do you feel with the French Open coming up. Are you looking forward?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yes. Obviously at the Grand Slams you want to play your best. So, I feel
extra eager and hungry to play that one. Hopefully I
can peak at the right time, which is there. I think my chance is as good as any. I have always played good there. I have some
good memories there.
Q. You've been around so many years. What gives you the motivation at the
beginning of the year to work so hard and go out there every day?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI:
It seems like a long career, but really if you look at it and put it in
perspective with your life, it's not really that long.
I want to make the best of it and then move on. I feel I can still move well
and am right in there. As long as I find a great
balance, it's not as difficult. If you find the right balance, it can be a pleasure. There are so many rewards,
satisfactions. You have to look at the positive things.
Q. Given your injuries, how do you rate your game compared to last year?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI:
Last year, I was getting mentally tired. I wasn't having the right balance.
In a way, I feel I have more potential now because I feel like I missed some
good playing times and I feel fresher and challenged
to get back there. It's a question of getting myself back into shape.
Q. So, it's in
a way like Venus said yesterday that her absence was in a way a blessing in
disguise, that she wasn't that outplayed and exhausted?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI:
Yes, it's good in a way because you get some time off. I feel the time away
encourages you. I think you have to expect that in the
beginning it's going to be tough.
Q. Did you miss tennis? Did you think about it?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Yes, of course. In my case I thought 'hopefully, it's nothing really serious.
It make me realize how much I love tennis and the sport.
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