“Moving the date of the tournament was a smart decision”

Stuttgart. Elena Dementieva, the world No. 3, sat down with the journalists to answer a variety of questions at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s All Access Hour. The 27-year-old Russian’s thoughts on...

...the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’s new date and surface:
“Moving the date of the tournament was a smart decision. It’s the first clay court tournament of the season and as we’re indoors there’ll be no problems with weather conditions. As for the court it’s very close to the ones at Roland Garros. It looks and feels like a clay court though it perhaps plays a little faster. Having played so often, it’s still strange for me to see a clay court in the arena”

...Stuttgart in springtime:
“After coming to Stuttgart so many times for the tournament in October, it’s strange to come and play here in springtime. I couldn’t recognise the city as its completely different. The trees are so green and the weather is so nice. Even so I love to coming to Stuttgart no matter whether it’s spring or autumn.”

...women’s tennis:
“The women’s game is very strong these days and nobody is able to dominate any more. Competition is so tough especially as there are so many good players in the Top 10. The level of the game has increased generally so that first and second round matches now produce good matches.”

...her chances at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix:
“I’m feeling good at the moment but the tournament is so unpredictable as there’s so many good Top 10 players here.”

...her prospects of becoming the No.1:
“There are a few players in with a chance of becoming No. 1 this year and there’ll be many changes this year. Becoming No.1 is my biggest goal but it’s not something I’m concentrating on as my main focus is on my game. I’ve gradually improved all aspects of my tennis over the years and I’m a different player now. But I still have to take that extra step if I’m to become No.1 ”

...life after tennis:
“It’s very important for me to have a good education. I was quite good at school so I’d really love to go to university after retiring from the game. I’d like to study journalism with a view to working in television.”

27/04/2009