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ASB Bank Classic - Auckland (NZL)
2nd Round
Anna Kournikova beats Amy Frazier
6:4, 6:1
January 2, 2002

 

 

"Amy is very tough to play against, she hits the ball really hard and flat and I had to always be ready and expect very fast shots."

"It was kind of close in the first set and when I got my chance at 5-4 I broke her and from then on I was playing really well."

"I think she was disappointed that she lost the first set and I took advantage of that."

"For the first tournament of the year and after two matches this a very exciting time for me and it is good to start the year healthy because last year was a little bit difficult."

"After coming back and playing the indoor circuit I didn't play too well because I was coming back, so this is a great time for me."

"I came to this tournament well prepared and, I feel like even if I lose the first set I can go on and win in three sets, I haven't been getting tired and I'm in good shape now."

"It is very important to keep the games as short as you can especially in this weather," she said.

"I'm not going to say I'm going to win this tournament otherwise my whole concentration will be gone. I'm just getting ready for the next match because everyone can play and the rankings don't tell the story."

"You always have to expect that the person is trying to beat you and you have to be ready."

Kournikova got annoyed with a persistent questioner in her press conference when he asked about perceived player jealousies and how it was alleged certain players were openly happy when the Russian was beaten: "I am friends with a lot of the players on the tour," she said. "I can't be friends with all of them, that is impossible."

"I don't need anybody's sympathy. We [players] do not depend on each other."

"I have never felt jealous but you can't be friends with everybody."

To another question talking about remarks she made as a youngster on her aims being high and expecting them to be realised, Kournikova snapped: "I think I was nine when I said the things you say. You can judge me as much as you like and I can judge you, and right now you are really annoying."

"I am excited to start the New Year healthy and injury-free," she said. "The indoor season I played when I first came back was not so good because I was coming back. Now things are working well. I have prepared long and hard for this tournament and I can now look forward to the next round."

 

 

 


Find out more at Anna's offical website:
www.kournikova.com