Telephone Interview
September 19, 2005
(only tennis-related questions were allowed, Interview was closely monitored by public-relations representative)
About what other people and critics might think about her:
"It's not like I wake up and read what people say and change things. Of course, there are a million people who may not like my decisions, but that's just the way it is. Sometimes, it's hard, but you learn to be yourself and do what you think is right."
"The tennis fans who really followed my career, they know the accomplishments that I've achieved. At the end of the day, there are always critics. I mean, people criticize Tiger Woods, and look at what he has done. They criticize Maria Sharapova, and that girl works so hard.
"Most people probably realize how hard you have to work, but I don't think they really know how much pressure there is. Professional athletes start at such a young age, especially girls. I started on the pro tour at 14 and there was a lot of pressure, a lot of hard work. After you do it for so many years, you grow up early -- not in terms of books, but in terms of life -- very fast. That's very hard. You are always around older people."
Is she retired or not? Has she definitely ruled out a comeback?
"I'm not officially retired. I'm still leaving that door open. If I do come back, I want to make sure my body is 100 per cent and give it my all. I also don't want to be one of those people who retires and then, a year later, they say they're back."
"I never really wanted to make an (retirement) announcement because I still want to keep that option open. The only way I want to come back is if I feel 100% and that I can give my best. I feel there is no reason to come back and play halfway and get injured all the time. I kind of hope and wish I can still come back. I'd rather not say anything and see what happens."
About having been ranked among the world's Top 50 most beautiful people 4 times between 1998 and 2003:
"It sounds funny. You should see me right now."
Anna, the groundbreaker for the current wave of russian stars?:
"That's nice of you to say that, but I tend to not look at it that way. I think it was just more of an opportunity to leave Russian and travel. If I did encourage them a little bit, I think that's great and it would make me happy and proud, but I don't really look at it that way."
When asked about her private life:
"I get embarrassed talking about my private life."
Did she take notice of the circus around her?:
"I didn't pay attention. I thought that was just the way sports is. I didn't realize what was happening around me at that age. It just seemed normal. But when I got to be 18, 19 and 20, it was a little more difficult. You start to pay attention to the things around you and you realize what is going on. You can't control it and you try and block it out, but at the end of the day you can't block it out. I'm human and there were a lot of hurtful and painful things written and said about me. There were some good things, too ... but I guess that's the price you pay for being in the spotlight. Right now, not much bothers me. I've seen it all."
Especially about Maria Sharapova:
"I feel bad because the girl works so hard. She deserves everything. They should be giving her credit for her tennis. By doing outside things, you kind of set yourself up. You don't think people are going to pick on you because you're doing that. People take it and twist it."
About chocolate ice cream:
"I cannot resist chocolate. Regular chocolate or chocolate ice cream. It's definitely a motivation for me."
Her schedule right now:
"I was always one of those players who played better if I played a lot of matches and tournaments in a row. That's what's a little harder for me now. I kind of stop and go. I play one event a month and it's hard to get into a routine."
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