After winning her first round match, Elena Dementieva tells DNA that she is gaining in confidence
You had an easy first round.
Yeah, I think it was a good start for the week. I was pretty aggressive.
Do you know anything about your next opponent, Melanie Oudin?
I’ve heard about her. She had a big game against Jankovic in Wimbledon. I didn’t see the match but I know she’s very talented, young player.
Your best Grand Slam results have come at US Open, two finals in 2002 and 2005, can you take that one step forward?
It is hard to say. It is just the beginning of the tournament and we don’t know what is going to happen. I have had a lot of good matches this summer and have played the top ten players of the world so it gives me a lot of confidence. But I am trying to take one match at a time.
Which is your favourite surface? Also which is your favourite Grand Slam?
I like the hard court. But my favourite Grand Slam has to be French Open. It was my first final. I love Paris. Also, I can speak French.
You have surprised many with improvement in your game. Do you feel you are moving towards winning a Slam in addition to the gold medal at Beijing?
I have got a lot of big moments and it surely gives me a lot of confidence. But I give my best every single day. I am going to give my best in the coming two weeks.
Do you ever feel any sort of kinship with Dinara or Jankovic that they’ve been No.1 but haven’t won a Grand Slam?
Well, first of all, I don’t compare myself with anyone else.So it’s hard to compare me with Dinara or Jelena.I think not to win a Grand Slam, it’s not unfair and it’s not unlucky.It’s just how it is.You know, you have to work hard if you want to win it. It’s definitely a big goal in my career still.I’m just trying to work hard and let’s see if I can do it.
All three of you are in the top half.Do you feel like maybe it’s your time, one of you is due?
I don’t look at the draw.I just take one match at a time.
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