Source: WTA
.Caroline Wozniacki (No.1 seed)
On getting the No.1 ranking back this week…
It’s nice to see your name at the top. That’s what I practice for. But when I go into a tournament, the most important thing for me is to do my best and try to win that tournament. If I play well, the rankings will come automatically.
On Serena…
Serena is a really nice girl. I have a very good time with her off the court as well. I’d like to see her back. It’s sad she’s injured and not able to compete.
Vera Zvonareva (No.2 seed)
On Doha, where she reached the WTA Championships final in 2008…
I definitely enjoy playing here. I have great memories from Doha. I’ve played a lot of great matches here. That helps – it gives you a lot of confidence and pleasure being on the court here. I even have some fans here who have been following me since my success here. It’s always nice to come back to this city.
On her early loss to Kleybanova in Dubai…
I knew my level had to be up there to beat her – she played a very good match and I wasn’t able to adjust. Alisa’s such a powerful player. Against such a good player like her, if you make mistakes, you probably won’t win the match. That’s what happened. Maybe my shot selection was wrong. Maybe I was a little bit tired. Maybe I didn’t prepare myself well. Maybe it was a concentration thing. My coach and I went over all of those things and now I’m back on the court trying to improve all of that. Hopefully I can do better this week.
Francesca Schiavone (No.3 seed)
On being back in Doha, having played here three months ago…
It’s a very good feeling. When I arrived, I started to feel all the emotions and the memories. I came here in November for the WTA Championships with all my family and friends. I remember the smiles and all the fight I put on the court. They are all good memories. I’m ready to prepare new history now.
On how the game has changed over the last few years…
First of all, a lot of players can win a tournament like this now. From No.1 in the world to No.20 and No.25, you can find really good players. I was No.17 when I won Roland Garros, which means everyone is much better, and the top players have to pay attention every point and every match. Secondly, I think players are going into the court more – they are physically stronger. Before it was more defense; now whoever takes their chances first will win the match.
Li Na (No.4 seed)
On her game since the Australian Open final…
For me that’s last year already, because Chinese New Year was February 3rd. That means I’m starting a new year right now. It’s in the past already. Of course it was exciting, but you have to keep looking forward to what you’re doing now.
On her husband being more famous than her…!
After Melbourne I was back in China for one week. I didn’t know how other Chinese people would think about the tennis, think about me. Right now, I think my husband is more famous than me. We both walk a lot, and everybody thinks, ‘That’s the husband of Li Na, and oh, that’s Li Na.’ If I’m walking by myself, nobody knows who I am – but if I’m with my husband, they know.