[WTA]Getting To Know...Nadia Petrova
When tennis discussions turn to the rise of the young Russian women players—
as they very often do—names like Zvonareva, Bovina, Kuznetsova, Safina and
Sharapova are usually the first mentioned. Until recently, Nadia Petrova’s
name wouldn’t have figured in the talk, largely because the 21-year-old spent
much of 2002 on the sidelines.
Just when she appeared ready to challenge for a Top 20 ranking, the
hard-hitting Petrova was struck down by a stress fracture in her left foot.
It took her out of action from February to August and caused her ranking to
plummet from No.29 to No.168 by last September.
Determined to make a full recovery, but eager to return to the Tour, the
Moscow native made a tentative comeback at the end of 2002, playing five
events, reaching the quarterfinals in her home town, defeating Martina Hingis
62 62 en route.
But it wasn’t until this season that Petrova really hit full stride. After
reaching the third round at the Australian Open, she saved her best for the
year’s next Grand Slam, Roland Garros.
Not only did she defeat former world No.1s and former French Open champions
Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati in the first and fourth rounds respectively,
she maintained the momentum all the way to the semifinals. Had it not been a
dropshot by Kim Clijsters that dribbled over the net on set point, we may well
have had our first Russian female Grand Slam finalist since Olga Morozova at
Wimbledon in 1974.
Nonetheless, her efforts in Paris saw Petrova improve her ranking from No.76
to No.29, the position she held when she became injured last year. That ranking
has been improved another six spots since Roland Garros, courtesy of a
semifinal finish in ’s-Hertogenbosch, third round at Wimbledon and
quarterfinals last week at San Diego.
Notes & Netcords spoke with Nadia Petrova in San Diego, where she was one of
three Russians to make the final eight.
Thinking back to last year, where you nearly beat Venus Williams at Gold
Coast but then didn't play again until August. Did you feel you were just
about to play some of your best tennis when you were hit by injury?
Yes. Gold Coast was the first tournament (of the year) and I did lots of work
in December. I was very confident about the upcoming season and after such a
good result at the first tournament I thought I would have a good year.
During your time off from the Tour, how did you keep yourself motivated and
thinking you could make a successful comeback?
When I heard I had a stress fracture and it had to heal for 6-8 weeks, I
thought I would just miss the Australian circuit, that I'd be ready for the
American circuit. But when I was home and time was passing it was not getting
better. I got down when I missed three Grand Slams and I was frustrated.
While you were unable to train, what things did you do to fill in your time?
I went home and spent time with my family. After four weeks, I went to
Amsterdam to see my coach and did a lot of fitness and working out, even
two sessions a day. I also liked to watch movies. My favorite is "Captain
Corelli’s Mandolin".
Beating two former world No.1s and former champions at Roland Garros (Seles
and Capriati) was an amazing achievement, but they happened relatively early
in the tournament. In that situation, how difficult is it to not celebrate
and concentrate on the rest of the event?
It's not hard to focus, but of course it was nice to beat Monica and Jennifer.
I was happy with my game and I felt I started making my comeback there. When
you're in a tournament, you don't have time to celebrate; you have to get
ready for the next match.
You're one of six Russian women in the Top 30. Is being the No.1 Russian an
aim of yours? Why do you think it is such an important 'title' for the Russian
players?
One of my goals is to be the best in my country. I want my country to know me
better and being No.1 would help Russia to know me better.
When you're changing surfaces or going from outdoors to indoors, what special
training do you do to prevent injuries?
The first couple of days I practice but not very hard. I pay more attention
to warm-up and cool down. And I have lots of massage!
Hypothetically speaking - you have a week off where you don't have to pick up
a racquet or even think about tennis. Where do you go or what do you do?
Wearing makeup morning to night! I would go out on the town, go shopping, get
together with friends and go to the cinema and chat at a cafe.
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※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.csie.ntu.edu.tw)
◆ From: 61.225.192.237
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