Dubai 07 - Desert Tennis - 網球

http://www.justine-henin.be/public/index.asp?lang=en
Dubai 07 - Desert Tennis
20/02/2007:

Justine plays her first official Dubai 2007 match on Wednesday, if we don't
the count the Duel in Desert played on Sunday against Svetlana Kuznestova. In
three different visits, and it was three victories for Justine in Dubai. She
spoke to the international journalists about the improvised mini-return to
action in Paris, and why the UAE has a special meaning to her career.

About the impromptu matches in Paris two weeks ago.
"You have to be able to accept that it is going to take a little bit of time
and I could not give my best there as I was making my comeback and it was my
first tournament. Playing in Paris wasn't easy, but it was a great decision
and I'm glad I decided to go there because it helped me get back on the
court even though I lost in the third round."

Looking for that feeling again.
"It's good to play matches and be back on the tour and get my motivation and
find some rhythm. To get used to the atmosphere on the court was very
important for me as I wanted to be in the right frame to come here and I am
already feeling better about everything."


Justine's time
"I just want to take it step by step. It will take some time because I have
been through a difficult period in my life. But I'm feeling good about
coming here. I am sure I will be able to overcome everything and will try to
be even stronger in my tennis. I need to accept the fact that it may take a
little more time, but I haven't forgotten how to play tennis and need to
control my emotions and concentrate on my game."


Dubai as a career crossroad.
"But the atmosphere is great and I feel very good here. Sometimes when you
play in a tournament, it feels like home. And I feel that way when I play in
Dubai. I feel a lot of pleasure to be back in Dubai and it feels great to be
back on the court as well. My career took off from here in 2003 and it was
the beginning of an amazing adventure for me, but I am not looking far ahead.
I will just take it match by match."


Tennis Duel in the Desert?
It wasn't all press, and media obligations for the #1 seed, there was time
for a bit of fun. On Sunday Justine and Svetlana Kuznetsova participated in
the world's first-ever desert tennis match in the sand dunes at Lahbab, a 45
minute drive from Dubai. The unique experience was presented by Sony
Ericsson, and a rematch of their 2006 Roland Garros final. "I have played on
clay courts before but playing on desert sand is completely unique and today
has been a lot of fun. Now I'm looking forward to competing hard in the
Dubai Tennis Championships, " said Justine.


Justine will play 16 year old qualifier Austrian Tamira Paszek on Wednesday.
This will be the first WTA meeting between them.

--