The Hindu : Capriati ready for another run at Roland Garros

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Capriati ready for another run at Roland Garros

PARIS May 27. Jennifer Capriati hasn't sneaked a peek at one of the most dramatic victories of her career. Why watch it when her mind provides the best replay of all?

Her win over Kim Clijsters in last year's French Open final was tennis at its edgy best, two friends slugging it out before Capriati captured an exhausting, yet exhilarating, 12-10 third-set tiebreaker.

``I really haven't seen it again,'' Capriati says.

``I only remember playing it. So I'm sure they'll play it a couple times on TV or something, some highlights. But I think I have a few things to really look at to get me inspired for myself to play good tennis.''

Part of top-seeded Capriati's preparations for defending her title has been working with a good practice partner and she had no problem finding one. Her name? Kim Clijsters, who meets Tatiana Poutchek of Brazil on Monday.

``You know, it doesn't matter if it was just last year in the finals, or if we're on the opposite sides this year,'' Capriati said of Clijsters, seeded fourth.

``She's good practice for me and I think vice versa. It's relaxing playing her.''

Their marathon last year featured the longest third set of any French Open women final, and four times Clijsters was within two points of victory.

Capriati would welcome seeing Clijsters on the other side of the net for another final, but the women's field is, as usual, deep and full of potential champions, even without the injured Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis.

In last year's French Open quarterfinals, Capriati beat Serena Williams, who since has improved dramatically on clay. ``She moves a little bit better on the clay and is more consistent,'' Capriati said, noting Serena's improvement. ``Maybe she doesn't get as o

Meanwhile, Felix Mantilla of Spain, who injured ribs in a car accident, withdrew from the French Open on Sunday, the day before the Grand Slam tournament started. — AP

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