- Your last match with Vera Zvonareva turned out to be rather difficult. But you acted very confidently. Are you satisfied with your game?
- Yes, it is quite. I feel that I am adding here from match to match, there is more freedom and ease in movement.
- In the match with Zvonareva you had 13 break points, but only three were realized. Does this bother you?
- Obviously, the situation is disappointing. But I do not want to bother with this. The main thing was that she was attentive to her presentation. Vera could not make a break until I led 5: 2. In my opinion, this is not bad.
- The weather was uncomfortable. Are you not cold?
- Little. More bothering the wind. But this is much better than the incredible heat that was during the match with Ping.
- Was such a difficult match in the first round good for you?
- In a manner. At the beginning of the season you always have to force your physical form a bit, and the experience of long matches will not hurt. The game with Ping helped me understand what I should especially work on in training. In addition, he made me stronger psychologically.
- It is already known that at the end of the tournament, regardless of its results, you will become the first racket of the world. How important is this to you?
“I prefer not to think about it at all.” It's a good news. And I was ready for her, learning that Justine Henin-Ardenne would not come to Australia. But I’ll celebrate only after the championship. I hope then another reason will appear.
- Is it a surprise for you that the favorite among the bookmakers is Kim Kleisters?
- Kim deserved it. She started the season well, won the tournament in Sydney and demonstrates excellent tennis here. But honestly, these forecasts do not interest me at all.
- The Falcon Eye system of video repetitions is very actively used here. In your opinion, is it justified?
- I, like many other tennis players and fans, really like this system. I know very few people who are critical of this innovation. But in any case, everyone has the opportunity to choose. If you think that the judge’s decision is wrong, prove it by taking a video replay.
- Your next rival will be Anna Chakvetadze. The last time you played with her in 2005 in Los Angeles and then not without difficulty won in three sets.
- Do not attach much importance to that match, it was a long time ago. Now Anna has become more experienced, participating in major tournaments and often beats favorites. And I’m not used to looking back at my rivals, no matter what level they are. I will play as confidently as with Zvonareva. I have a good chance of winning.
Translation by Andrey IVANTSOV