WIMBLEDON

July 1, 2002

Daniela Hantuchova

MODERATOR: First question, please, for Daniela Hantuchova.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I mean, yeah, I think it's one of my biggest wins because I have beaten a couple of the Top-10 players. But, you know, this is Grand Slam, and that really means something. So I'm just really happy the way I played today. And, yeah, I have to say it's one of my biggest wins, yeah.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, well, I think the rain break helped me a little bit because I started really well, and I was pleased the way I played the first set. But then I had a few chances at the beginning of the second set, which I didn't take. I lost a bit of concentration. After the rain break, I came back fresh, and I was very confident. I'm just really happy that I came back in the second set, and I just did anything what it takes, you know, to win that second set. And I was really happy the way I played.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: No, I mean, not at all. I played her already twice, and I won both matches. So I was very confident about this one. You know, I'm just really happy that it happen now in the Grand Slam, which means something more than in the other tournaments. Yeah, I was definitely really happy about this win.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I'm just looking forward for this match very much because, I mean, it's for me first time in quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, and that's very excited for me - especially here in Wimbledon. I've got nothing to lose. So I just going to go out there and, you know, try to do my best. I'm really looking forward.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I played last year Venus on Court No. 1, and then the mixed doubles final.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Definitely I'm really confident about the way I'm hitting the ball on grass, especially, you know, having an English coach has helped me a lot how to play on grass. I just I think I got more experience than I had last year. And, yeah, I think it's a really, really big advantage to have an English coach that knows, you know, how to play on grass.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: I mean, it's just, you know -- it helps me a lot when I'm, you know, trying to go for it and being aggressive because it's a fast surface. Also, you know, trying to come in, it's much easier on grass than on other surface because, you know, the opponent has got not many chances to hit a good shot. And also it helps me with the serve because it's fast. So I'm really -- I really like to play on grass.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, definitely. I mean, I really love that atmosphere. I really feel like every day I've got more and more friends on my side. It's really a great feeling when you're out there and you know the crowd is supporting you and it helps you - and that can make a big difference.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Especially here in England, I'm getting a lot of fans. And it's for me very exciting. I just, you know, hope to keep it like it is. Hopefully, you know, when they come to watch me, I hopefully, you know, can show them some of the good tennis. I just really enjoy playing here in England.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Exactly. I'm really happy about this fact. You know, the people like to talk about the other things, too, but I think that I proved this tournament that they can talk about my tennis, too, a lot. I'm just really happy the way I played. And, as I said, I'm just trying to be focused on my tennis. You know, people like to talk about that other stuff, too. But I'm really happy that I proved that my tennis is the most important thing for me.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I mean, these things are taken care of by my agent and manager, so I'm just focusing on my tennis.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Nigel Sears.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Well, I mean, definitely we're going to have a nice dinner. I just will be focused on my next match. I will get a nice rest, get ready for the next one. But definitely we're going to have a nice dinner.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA: Yeah, my parents are here with me together. They both are here. And my coach, so.