Dementieva : "Happy and ready to roll" - 18e Open GDF SUEZ - 2010 - Tennis Féminin

Elena, how have you been training since your elimination in the 2nd round of the Australian Open?
After my elimination by Justine Henin in Australia , which I wasn't expecting so early, I suddenly had a lot of time to get ready for this tournament, so I'm ready. I'm really happy to be back in Paris in this tournament I love so much. This year, it will be a little strange without Amélie (Mauresmo), it's a really sad decision for the players and the fans, so it'll be nice to see her again. (Wednesday evening at Coubertin, a tribute will be paid to Amélie, winner of the tournament last year and now retired.) I can remember playing several good games with her, some of which were very close. She had a great career and reached the highest goals, she can be proud of what she has accomplished.

Last year, in fact, you bowed down in the final against Amélie. This year, you're the number one seed in the tournament and main favourite of the event—maybe this is the year...
(Laughter) I'm sure that it's going to be a hard tournament to win. It's nice being the favourite, but I know that I'll have to play really well right from the start. I love playing here and I'm ready.

We can see you all over Paris on the tournament posters where you're all alone—that must make you happy…
(Laughter) Yes, it's really nice. It's the first time that I'm alone on the poster, it makes me feel good.

You'll be battling it out with Benesova or Pavlyuchenkova who you've always beaten before. This should make you feel more confident.
It's never easy to play the first game. It's hard to start off a tournament, so I'm waiting to see who'll I'll be up against and then I'll seeÂ… in any case, I'm here and I'm ready.

What are your objectives for this new season?
Still the same: winning a Grand Slam tournament and becoming World Number 1. And it all begins in Paris.

Translation: Amy Davenport