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. --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 61.229.39.189