AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 19, 2004

Samantha Stosur

Q. Your first Grand Slam appearance today, I think I'm right. How did it feel out there when you went out on court?

SAMANTHA STOSUR: It was good. I played last year, though. But it was nice playing out there. I never played on that court. Bit different, first round again. So it was good. I played pretty well. She did as well. But I think I just sort of made things a little harder for her as the match went on. But, yeah, I'm pretty happy with it.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Yeah, I was confident going out there. I was expecting a hard match, but I just went out playing the way that I wanted to play and didn't let anything really worry me. So I just really focused on what I was doing out there.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: I think I'm better, a lot better just sort of mentally. I think I can keep my concentration out there a bit more and just a bit more experienced playing big matches on big courts, that sort of thing. I think all around my game's just improved, gone up a level or two with just consistency and everything. I think the main thing is that I've had a lot more experiences doing this, so, yeah.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: I don't know. I could (laughing).

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Not really. I think it's only a good thing if your federation sort of gets behind you and urges you on. I haven't felt any pressure that I've got to meet certain expectations or anything. All of us try and push each other through and get as high as we can.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: We might have played in Juniors a long time ago, but I can't really remember an actual match.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: She was on before I went out, so I don't know. I don't think he saw any of it. I've got a fair idea about how she plays.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Yeah, if I can achieve that, I'd be very happy. I think the way I'm going, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't set my goal that level. It's going to be hard, but you got to set it somewhere and sort of make it.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Oh, for sure. I think that's one of the best things I've ever done. And even though I lost that match, I think it really helped me through where I am now. So just another match and playing in front of a home crowd and everything. Yeah, doesn't really get much better than that. But I think every experience that I have playing at big tournaments and stuff can really help me.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Yeah, I think so. Last year was a hard year for me, and I had some good results but didn't quite win the big -- like the big matches that I have the last month. So I think it was all just a learning curve. I think, hopefully now after the last three weeks, I've sort of broken through that and it's not going to be so much of a big deal for me anymore. But, yeah, I think it's really helped.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Yep.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Helps a lot. It was always the best thing for me in Juniors. None of the girls really knew how to handle it. Now that I'm playing the older girls and stuff, they're sort of a bit more used to it, but it's still a handy thing for me to be able to do.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: I think my backhand's always been probably my more consistent shot. But my forehand gives me the winners and that sort of thing. Yeah, I think everything's just sort of gotten a bit better and not so loose with anything anymore.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: Hamstring.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: It's fine. Yeah, it was sore during that match, then the next couple of days. But I've had lots of treatment on it and it's not bothering me anymore.

SAMANTHA STOSUR: No, not today. Last year was (laughing).