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No matter how much the public thinks they know about a celebrity, there's
always more to learn. One athlete the public really thinks they know is
Jennifer Capriati. Many fans still think of her as the 14-year-old
wunderkind who burst onto the international tennis scene. Jennifer is now
24-years-old and has left the 14-year-old everybody thought they knew far
behind. Ready for a new take on Jennifer? Read on.
Q. Congratulations on winning the 2001
Australian Open. What has that experience done for you?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Now I know that I can react to new pressures. Before the Aussie
Open, I could play for fun, knowing that the other tennis players did not
fear me and that some of them looked at me with affection and understanding.
But when you strike the number one in the final of the first Slam of the
year, things change. Now I don't want to stop.
Q. How are you a different player-and person-now than you were as a teen?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: My situation was indeed unique, like my history. I had to
understand myself. I had to realize where I went and what I made, before
making decisions on the future. I did that around 20-years-old, and that's
when my independence began. I was no longer a child and I was in control of
my existence. Now I feel real. My experiences have made me who I am.
Q. How important is family to you?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: The relationship with my parents is better than ever. I love
them. And my dad, who taught to me to play tennis, is my coach again. He's
my ideal guide.
Q. You took a break from professional tennis for a while. What did
you discover about yourself during that time?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: To discover positive sides of my personality has opened the
door of a new life. But during the break, deep within myself I wanted to
play tennis again and I didn't give up because I didn't feel happy.
Q. Which Grand Slam trophy would you like to add to your collection next?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: The next step will be Wimbledon. If I could choose another
tournament of the Slam to win I'd say Wimbledon. There you can have a unique
feeling of the place, of the grass, of the history.
Q. Why did you make tennis your sport of choice?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: Actually, tennis chose me. My father started me playing tennis
when I was very young. It's been part of my life from the very beginning.
Q. What keeps you going when a match, or life, gets hard?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: When it gets hard I just think there are a lot of other people
in worse situations and that things could be much harder then what they are.
I'm lucky and fortunate to do what I do.
Q. What do you do in your spare time?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I like to relax, enjoy the beach, go to movies, shop, and read.
Q. Which is your favorite book and movie?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: My favorite book is The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama, and
my favorite movies are One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Lorenzo's Oil.
Q. Which is your favorite dish? Do you have a "personal" recipe?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I love pasta with pesto sauce and pine nuts. I don't have a
special recipe but I do use low-fat ingredients.
Q. Is there anything in particular that helps you relax before a match?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: I listen to music, watch tv, lounge, and read a book.
Q. And after a match?
JENNIFER CAPRIATI: After a match I like to get a massage, go shopping, go to
restaurants with friends, or, sometimes, go dancing.
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