[情報] Henin-Hardenne wants longer offseason
Henin-Hardenne wants longer offseason
By STEVE HILL, Associated Press Writer
February 23, 2004
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Top-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne wants a longer offseason in tennis.
The champion at three of the past four majors will defend her title this week at the Dubai Open, where Venus Williams also will return to action. Both players withdrew from last week's Diamond Games tournament in Belgium because of injuries.
``It's a long season, and we need more time to rest and have a holiday,'' Henin-Hardenne said Monday. ``We need at least six weeks to be prepared for the next season.''
Her entry at the Dubai Open was in doubt because of bronchitis.
Williams pulled out of a tournament in Tokyo before the quarterfinals Feb. 6 with the right leg injury that also held her out last week.
After a first-round bye, Williams will play Wednesday against Alicia Molik, who beat Maria Vento-Kabchi 7-6 (3), 6-2.
Also Monday, seventh-seeded Francesca Schiavone was eliminated 6-4, 6-4 by Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Anca Barna defeated Magdalena Maleeva 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Williams missed the past two Grand Slam tournaments with a stomach muscle injury and is still getting her game back up to speed.
``I'm concentrating on staying healthy and playing well. I'm already happy, so that helps,'' she said.
``I always go into a tournament believing that it is possible for me to win. For me to come into a tournament and not have that belief is impossible.''
She's focusing on technique as she enters only her third tournament in seven months.
``I've been able to practice only sporadically since the Australian Open,'' Williams said. ``I don't want any outside distractions. No shopping for me. No beach for me. No. It will be practice, hotel, concentrate.''
Updated on Monday, Feb 23, 2004 1:05 pm EST
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