Canadian Open 2001 after loss to Capriati

 

 

 

TOUR OFFICIAL: Okay, questions?

REPORTER: Anke, can you pick the turning point in that match for us?

ANKE HUBER: Well, I guess it was at 4-3 when I got the break. I shouldn't have got that one. And then it's tough, I mean, when you're down 5-3. Otherwise, I was -- 3-love, 3-all, I was there again. So I had somehow my chances and I let the game 4-3 I let go very quickly which was also maybe not the best and then I got the break 5-3, so I guess that was the most important game.

REPORTER: Anke, there were times when you appeared frustrated. Was that more frustration with yourself, unforced errors or was it just that you had Jennifer and had let the opportunity slip away at certain points through the match?

ANKE HUBER: Well, I always get a little frustrated on the courts, so it doesn't mean anything. But, of course, it's frustrated with myself, both a little bit. I mean, I knew that I had the chance to beat her and I just made some unforced errors which are not necessary. So of course I'm getting a little frustrated. But I guess it happens. It was -- I think it was quite a fast game and so you make mistakes, it's normal, I guess.

REPORTER: During the second set, Capriati said that she gave the match to you. She gave that set to you. How do you respond? She said you were on a roll, so she just let you have it, save herself for the third.

ANKE HUBER: Yeah, I mean, she was 2-love up and then she let it go away a little bit, yeah, and I played after 2-all I think I played quite good. And I guess after, like, 5-3 or something she just gave it away, yes, a little bit. So I saw that. But I think from 2-all I just played good. I didn't make the unforced errors that I made in the first set. And I was moving much better and got the balls back. I got used to her game a little bit more. I mean, like I said, I had my chances a little bit, but I guess she was dominating the game also in the third set.

REPORTER: You seemed to be using the drop shot at the net, the little drop shot that was frustrating her quite a lot. Was that a tactic that you had decided going into the match?

ANKE HUBER: I played maybe two drop shots today, which are not that many. I usually try to play more. I didn't have that many opportunities to play them. So, but it wasn't like a special tactic. I played when I think I should and when I have the chance to do it.

REPORTER: Anke, you've played Jennifer going back to 1990. What changes have you seen in her game? Is she that much of a stronger player than when you knew her in 1990? Can you compare her over the last ten years?

ANKE HUBER: Well, I guess she grew up. She's more consistent, she's more powerful I think than back there. She always played the fast game, she always had the shots, but I think it's more powerful now. Her serve got better. And I think at the moment it's more consistent. She plays great tennis.
REPORTER: Anke, how do you feel about your play going into the Open?

ANKE HUBER: Well, I'm happy with the way I played this week. So, hopefully, I can still improve a little bit next week in the tournament, I can continue like here and I'm looking forward to the Open. I mean, I'm happy with the way I'm playing. And I hope I can do it -- do the same at the Open.

REPORTER: Where is Capriati vulnerable? Is there a weakness in her game that you can try to exploit at all? If you were to beat her, what do you have to do?

ANKE HUBER: Well, if you want to beat her, you just, like I said, you have to play a little bit more consistent, still as me. And just play -- I think you have to try to play very aggressive, try to make her move side to side. And probably her backhand is a little bit weaker sometimes. I mean, in the middle of the second set she made some mistakes with the backhand. Otherwise, there is nothing which you can say that's her weak shot. I mean, there's not like a shot which is terrible. So it's quite hard. I mean, you just have to play aggressive and that's it, I guess.

REPORTER: Anke, did you feel that the -- did you feel the crowd getting behind you with your never-say-die attitude falling behind in the second set and the third set, did you feel them getting behind you a little bit?

ANKE HUBER: It was nice. The crowd was into it. It was great to play, and I enjoyed it, yes. I mean, they're always for the one which shouldn't win, probably. But it was nice, it was great out there. I loved it, yes.

REPORTER: Anke, I'm just curious, after the match you and Jennifer exchanged a few words. I'm just wondering what did she say to you or what did you say to her?

ANKE HUBER: No, we know each other very well. I mean, we going for dinner sometimes. We are not friends, but we know each other well. So we just said, well, great match and good luck, I mean, nothing else. Probably we talk more now.

REPORTER: Anke, I'd like to ask you one other question about the Open. Anything special about it being your last, if in fact it is your last?

ANKE HUBER: Yeah, it's maybe going to be my last Grand Slam, I'm not sure yet. So I'm just going to try to enjoy it. It's the last Open and it's going to be special, of course, and just try to hang in there, nothing much.

TOUR OFFICIAL: Thank you.