THE LIPTON CHAMPIONSHIPS

March 19, 1995

Steffi Graf

Q. Steffi, in your opinion, comparing Steffi Graf in 1988 and Steffi Graf today, which will win.

STEFFI GRAF: That's difficult to answer, but I think I would say that I am a better player now than I have been at that age. I think my serve has improved and I think I have more of a game plan on the court and I think that I can do more on the court at this time.

Q. And the desire?

STEFFI GRAF: The desire? It is still there. That is still strong.

Q. Steffi, in a way, did you surprise yourself with the comeback that you made this year winning the two tournaments since you have played; playing such good tennis so soon?

STEFFI GRAF: Yeah, I was very surprised in Paris, I mean, I didn't expect that at all to start off the way that I did with the first tournament and I had some tough opponents with Jana in the semis and with Mary in the finals, but in the beginning of the tournament I didn't think I was prepared, but afterwards, I was shown different, so I am pretty surprised, I have to say, and then to have been playing well so far, I mean, yeah, I didn't expect it, really.

Q. Is that giving you much more confidence for this event in the hope of defending the title?

STEFFI GRAF: Oh, yeah, for sure. I think I changed a lot before Paris confidence-wise, for example, after Paris, or for the last few weeks, I think at that stage, I really didn't know where I stand and how I would react to be on the court again and playing matches because I haven't really had a lot of matches and I didn't know how physically I would be ready for it, so I think it showed me a good things and I think that is why I think I have a lot more confidence now than I did before then.

Q. How do you feel was the reaction of the fan tonight, the public?

STEFFI GRAF: In which way do you mean? Like how they got into the match and stuff?

Q. Yes.

STEFFI GRAF: I think we had a few good points, but then again, there were a lot of quick rallies and -- I think it was difficult for the public to get really into the match.

End of FastScripts....