2004 U.S. Open
Date: 2004-09-06
Kuznetsova def. Pierce 7-6, 6-2

Question How was the match for you against Mary Pierce? What is your feeling now?
Answer The match was tough, you know. It was pretty close, first set. But I think I had chances to break her in the first set. I just wasn't really convinced in myself. But I just felt like I can do, I can make a break, you know. Left a little bit, missed some easy balls on her serve. But I felt like match was under my control, you know. So I think this was the most important thing. I feel good and I'm looking forward to play next match.

Question What did she tell you at the end? You spoke with her at the net.
Answer We're talking sometimes like in the locker room. We have pretty good friendship, you know. I was like, "If you're fine," when she pull the leg, how she was feeling. So I wish her to recover faster, and that's it.

Question What was wrong with her?
Answer She said that she pulled a muscle in the last point in tiebreak.

Question Do you still practice in Spain?
Answer I practice in Emilio Sanchez' academy and Sergio Casal. I've practiced there since 14 and it's already five years.

Question Who is helping you here?
Answer Sergio Casal.

Question Is he here?
Answer Yes.

Question Is this the biggest win, most important win?
Answer Against Mary?

Question In general playing on this level.
Answer No, I beat Justine this year, I beat Venus, I beat Sugiyama. I beat many good players. I did quarters last year in Wimbledon. I'm just looking forward to do my best the next match.

Question Is your mother here with you this year?
Answer No. She's not.

Question You're playing Justine Henin in the quarterfinals. What do you expect from that match?
Answer I think she didn't play yet.

Question You could play her.
Answer Yeah.

Question You played her already this year.
Answer I played her three times this year. No, four times. I lost three times and one I won. Last time I lost I had good chances. I just wasn't convinced in myself. Now I feel pretty more confident and I feel like I played -- this is my first whole year that I played as many tournaments as I won. Because before I had age eligibility rule. I feel I'm a little mature in my game. I control better my emotions. I know maybe better what to do in difficult moments. So I'm really looking forward to show good game and to do my best in this match.

Question If you would play her, what have you learned in the games that you have played her before? Is there another way you have to play her?
Answer I mean, she's just, I mean, one of the biggest players for the moment in the tour. But, I mean, she's a person, and I think I just have to play my game. You know, I have to dictate. You know, if I dictate, I think I win.

Question Did you ever have the kind of experience that you had today, a player who had to call for the trainer? Obviously it got cold, you were trying to keep warm.
Answer I mean, I know many players, like Elena Dementieva, she does it many times. She calls the trainer. I mean, it's not a secret. I mean, player could be hurt. I'm not saying Mary wasn't hurt. Maybe she was hurt, you know. But you really have to stay focused in this moment and not to think if she's trying to break your rhythm or if she's really painful. You just have to play the same game as you played before.

Question Doesn't that hurt your game when you're interrupted in that way?
Answer The main thing is not to think about it. Otherwise, if you think it hurts my game, it will hurt it. You just play. I mean, of course it does because, you know, I've been 2-Love up. I knew it was important to just take my serve.

Question I understand your birthday is tomorrow. How are you going to celebrate?
Answer My birthday is during Wimbledon.