Jelena Dokic is back on the WGTA Tour, but seems like she has not played her best this seaosn. Losing early in both Sydney and Australian Open to Capriati and Tanasugarn respectively. The same goes to the doubles. The former top double player had to lose out early in the first two tournaments she had entered. Her loss is still a big question for the WGTA tour fans and players. What is on her mind right now? Will she be back to her fine form like previous season. This week, she is the Berlin defending champion, and she needs to work triple hard to retain her title. Loses early here, and she will say goodbye to her top 10. We caught her in the practice court and managed to ask a few questions.
Q. Tell me what happened this few weeks?
Jelena Dokic : Nah, it was all over, wasn't it. You know. I just came back and then
you know, there is definately a thing or two that I'm still not used to.. But so far, so good, me and my coach were talking about these things, and then we thought there will definately be a time when you know, for me to win, i mean not one but few wins in a row.
Q. So are these losses disappointing to you?
Jelena Dokic : Definately, who would want to lose early especially in the Grand Slam. But it's not that I wasn't trying. These players had definately stepped up their level when I left, but you know, the point is I'm trying and I'm pleased with what I did.
Q. You mean you lost early and you are pleased?
Jelena Dokic : Again, I said, it was disappointing, but in tennis, you will have up and down. Sometimes you are down, and sometimes you are up. You can't, you know even Daniela or Anna can't stay on top all the time. They will be definately a time when they are losing. So far what I did was good, so I would say at this point I'm happy.
Q. This week, you are the defending champion.
Jelena Dokic : Yeah, this is going to be tough. But I will sure try my best this time, and I will just focus on one thing at a time, you know. Concentrate on the coming first match.
Q. Any pressure?
Jelena Dokic : You must be kidding. (smiling) Yeah, I mean, people will not favour me to win this time, but I personally have my own target. And yeah I'm pressuring myself to get better this time, you know. At least a win.
Q. A win?
Jelena Dokic : Yeah, hopefully with ONE WIN, you know, it boasts back my confidence... yeah definately. I hope. (giggles)
Q. This time, you will face Jennifer again.
Jelena Dokic : Yeah, I'll try. Watch out Jenn
Q. How about doubles?
Jelena Dokic : Like I said earlier, I'm not really into doubles this year. You know, when you are struggling in the single, you don't think of the doubles. But yeah I definately will come back, Just wait and see..
Q. Have you found any permanent double partner?
Jelena Dokic :
Yeah, I'm looking for a permanent double partner. I paired with Lindsay for the previous two weeks. I mean we have not really comitted to each other yet, it's just like, you know, I was the defending champ last season, so I think I should at least play there..
Q. Thanks for your time and good luck
Jelena Dokic : Thanks