The "Come Back, Mary Pierce!" Thread

[Jasper]

Missing you, Mary. Please sign on a better coach and get in shape again. Don't go out like this.

[MPierce14]

GO MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jasper]

Mary starts out her Wimbledon campaign with a double bagel over Ansley Cargill! She must have been very hungry for Breakfast at Wimbledon. This is a terrific result.



www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11482

She looks trimmer to me.

Btw, Mary comes off a doubles finals appearance with Nadia Petrova last week in the Ordina Open. I think that result is a good omen for Wimbledon, as well. She now has more practice and confidence on the grass.

[PierceCheng]

MPierce14 said:

GO MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me too!!

Mary Pierce, I hope you can get the best score (includes champion) in Wimbledon!!

[Lee]

Good Luck Mary!

from espnstar.com

[Jasper]

Mary Pierce - Day 4


Thursday, June 26, 2003



Mary Pierce




Mary Pierce - Day 4
Thursday, June 26, 2003


M. PIERCE/E. Daniilidou

6‑4, 6‑1

Q. You've had so many injury problems and everything. You've come into Wimbledon with no expectations. You're looking very good. Do you feel good?

MARY PIERCE: Oh, thank you.

Feeling better.

Q. Yeah?

MARY PIERCE: Definitely better. You know, happy to be here and be competing.

Q. Can you tell us what the last couple of years have been like?

MARY PIERCE: Well, I mean, imagine having a few injuries and not being able to go to work every day, so...

Maybe you could imagine what that would be like.

But everybody's different. So, for me, it was difficult. You know, I always try to learn from situations in life. And, you know, I believe that everything happens for a reason. And, you know, one day I'll be able to look back and know what that is, hopefully but...

You know, I just took it day by day and tried to do the best that I could every day, really.

Q. Did you think you might not come back?

MARY PIERCE: Those thoughts do come in your head every once in a while. I know there was one time where I was doubtful if I would be able to play again with my back injury.

But, you know, that's all humans, I think. We're emotional – especially I am, and, you know, a sensitive person. I take things very to heart, and I do things with, you know, my heart.

You know, I like to do something either full‑out or not do it at all, and I'm very passionate about what I do.

So, yeah, I mean, it was difficult. But at the same time, I spent a lot of time at home so...

Q. How did you stay positive? What did you do to stay positive during this time?

MARY PIERCE: Well, I just did what I had to do and a lot of that was just rest and not really able to do a lot.

So, you know, I have two dogs and – well, I had one dog and I got another dog, so they kept me busy.

Q. How far do you think you could go conceivably this Wimbledon, this fortnight?

MARY PIERCE: I have no idea. I mean, I'm just, you know...

I've won two matches. I'm happy. I'm just taking it day by day and match by match and just really try to do my best. You know, I wasn't sure if I was gonna come and play here or not.

Just, you know, like you said, no expectations and just going out and competing. I know I'm not at my best form right now. I'd like to be able to give myself probably at least six months. That's probably, you know – I feel like that's what I need to be back to where I want to be.

So, you know, in the meantime, I'm just happy to be healthy and competing and doing my best in all my matches, and, you know, using matches as well to get back in shape and, you know...

Q. Does it alter your perception of your own career? Because people with talent, sometimes they take the talent for granted until they have a shock like that and think they might have to give it up. Has it changed your whole approach to your career?

MARY PIERCE: No, no. It hasn't changed my approach at all.

It's just, you know, like you said, I guess with the talent, you take things for granted. I never took things for granted; I just didn't realize how easy it was for me before (smiling).

Just because it seems a lot harder now, being out of it and having to kind of really start from zero again. It's difficult, and I guess the older you are, the more difficult it is as well.

So, yeah, it's interesting.

Q. You must have quite a lot of motivation to get yourself fit to go out on court and play after so long?

MARY PIERCE: Yeah, definitely. I mean, that would be the hardest thing, with what I've achieved in my career so far and the age that I am and how long I've been on the tour. But I can definitely tell you that that's not a problem for me, and that's not something that is a problem.

You know, it's just kind of weird how my career has gone. I felt like when I won the French Open, I was starting to play my best tennis – just starting to.

I kind of feel like I've just kind of left from that point and not much has happened in those last three years for me. I just feel like, you know, all I need to do is be healthy again and be fit, and I feel like I can be even better than before. So that's my motivation.

Q. With the perspective you have now, do you feel more relaxed on court? You used to suffer from being quite nervous on court.

MARY PIERCE: Yeah, it was kind of like I was saying earlier, I really take to heart what I do. I kind of get ahead of myself. I still have to now, you know, not try to get ahead of myself because I feel like I'm playing pretty well. And I, you know, start to think, "Okay, well, you know, I could do this," start about winning and things like that. That's not good for me. So I just have to not put pressure on myself and just go out and do my best.

Q. Can you almost want it too much?

MARY PIERCE: Oh, definitely. That's possible. I mean, of course. I think everybody really wants to win, and no one wants to lose.

You know, being an individual sport, you're competitive, you know. But that's the thing that I have to let go of and that I've learned – that I don't really have control over the outcome. I just can control, you know, giving my best and having fun on the court. And whatever happens, happens.

Q. How important has your faith been? I think at the French Open you said you believed there was a reason you won that. Now you lost two or three years. Hasn't been so good.

MARY PIERCE: Yeah, well, I've had injuries. But other than that, I'm fine so...

Q. I'm just wondering, your faith made you strong. Is that what's kept you going?

MARY PIERCE: I think definitely that has helped me get through all the difficult times. And just to continue to have faith and believe and to trust that, you know, that this all happens for a reason and that I have to just do my best and know that everything's going to work out.

Q. Your being coached by Sven, I gather?

MARY PIERCE: Uh‑hmm.

Q. He was very supportive on court today, I noticed.

MARY PIERCE: Uh‑hmm.

Q. Do you think that will also bring dividends?

MARY PIERCE: Definitely. You know, it's important, the people that I have around me. Environment is important.

So, you know, I'm really happy to be working with him again. We've worked together in the past and done really well.

So it's just ‑‑ I was looking for someone that knew me, that I felt cared about me ‑ not just as a tennis player but as a person, and, you know, wasn't ‑‑ that person had the courage to be brutally honest with me and tell me what I need to hear. And I think that that was the only things that would help me. You know, I don't need to hear whatever, you know, so...

That's important for me.

Q. The court itself, that court, which you've sometimes had good luck and bad luck on, what is your feeling playing out there on Court 2?

MARY PIERCE: To me, every court's the same.

Q. Really? There's nothing to the reputation?

MARY PIERCE: I know that I guess here they say it's the "graveyard court," and a lot of seeds go down. It worked today in my favor, so...

I don't know. I think things like that happen on other courts as well, so, I mean, I don't believe in luck.

Q. You say like you appeared to have almost stopped when you won the French Open. How far do you think the game itself has moved on since then?

MARY PIERCE: Oh, it's gotten a lot better. The girls are a lot stronger, they move better, they hit harder. The game has definitely improved.

Q. When you're away from the game that you learned to play very young and you spent so much time with, what do you really miss ‑ the sensation of playing in front of people and having it matter, having the result count? What do you miss the most about the game?

MARY PIERCE: I couldn't really say one thing in particular. It's just everything that has to do with it. You know what I think I missed the most was the sun and sweating, being out and exercising and just being able to run and jump and, you know...

I just, I missed that.

Q. Without pain, you mean?

MARY PIERCE: Yeah.

Q. Martina Navratilova said something interesting last night about the court being a haven for players; it's somewhere where they can push away, perhaps, anything on their mind. Do you share that view? Is it like that for you? You say you missed the sun and running around.

MARY PIERCE: Sorry?

Q. You said you missed the sun and running around. Is it a haven for you?

MARY PIERCE: I think the sun and sweating, my body is so used to exercising. You get used to that, and when you don't, I just don't feel good.

But as far as the court being a haven for me, I mean, yes, when I do go on the court, I think I'm able to put everything else aside and just focus on my match and what I need to do. So I kind of, yeah, whatever's going on, I kind of forget about it.

But I think if I have issues or problems or something bothering me, I wouldn't want to just go on a court to forget about them. I think I'd want to have a quiet place and, you know, deal with them.

Q. Did they ever interfere with the way you played, if you had any worries?

MARY PIERCE: Sometimes, yeah, it happens. I mean, we're all human.



Allez Mary!

[Jasper]

Mary defeats Lisa Raymond in a nail-biting 3-setter on Court 18!

Here is the Live Match Report from wimbledon.org:

Final Set
-M.Pierce wins the game with an ace
40-15M.Pierce serves an ace
30-15M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand winner
15-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand unforced error
00-15M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand unforced error
M.Pierce serving 6-5

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a backhand unforced error
30-40L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
15-40M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand volley winner
15-30M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand volley winner
15-15L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
00-15M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand return winner
L.M.Raymond serving 5-5

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a backhand return forced error
40-30M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand passing shot winner
30-30M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand unforced error
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand forced error
15-15M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand winner
00-15M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand volley forced error
M.Pierce serving 4-5

-L.M.Raymond wins the game with an ace
40-15L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand unforced error
30-00M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand forced error
15-00L.M.Raymond wins the point with a backhand winner
L.M.Raymond serving 4-4

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a backhand return forced error
40-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand passing shot unforced error
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand return forced error
15-15M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand unforced error
15-00M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand volley winner
M.Pierce serving 3-4

-M.Pierce loses the game with a forehand forced error
A-40L.M.Raymond wins the point with a backhand winner
40-40L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand unforced error
A-40M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand return forced error
40-40L.M.Raymond wins the point with a backhand volley winner
40-AM.Pierce wins the point with a forehand winner
40-40M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand volley winner
A-40L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
40-40M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand unforced error
30-40L.M.Raymond loses the point with a double fault
30-30M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand return forced error
15-30M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand passing shot winner
15-15M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand return winner
15-00M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand return forced error
L.M.Raymond serving 3-3

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a backhand return forced error
40-AL.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand return forced error
40-40M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand winner
A-40M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand forced error
40-40M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand volley winner
30-40M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand unforced error
30-30M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand volley unforced error
30-15M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand volley winner
15-15M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand winner
00-15M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand unforced error
M.Pierce serving 2-3

-L.M.Raymond wins the game with a forehand winner
40-15L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
30-15M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand forced error
15-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand unforced error
15-00L.M.Raymond wins the point with a backhand passing shot winner
L.M.Raymond serving 2-2

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a forehand return forced error
40-15M.Pierce wins the point with a backhand volley winner
30-15M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand forced error
30-00L.M.Raymond loses the point with a backhand return forced error
15-00M.Pierce wins the point with a forehand volley winner
M.Pierce serving 1-2

-M.Pierce loses the game with a backhand return forced error
40-30M.Pierce loses the point with a backhand unforced error
30-30L.M.Raymond loses the point with a double fault
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a backhand unforced error
30-00M.Pierce loses the point with a forehand forced error
15-00L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
L.M.Raymond serving 1-1

-L.M.Raymond loses the game with a forehand return forced error
40-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand forced error
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand return forced error
15-15M.Pierce loses the point with a double fault
15-00L.M.Raymond loses the point with a forehand passing shot unforced error
M.Pierce serving 0-1

-L.M.Raymond winner
40-30L.M.Raymond loses the point with a double fault
40-15L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand winner
30-15L.M.Raymond loses the point with a backhand forced error
30-00L.M.Raymond wins the point with a forehand passing shot winner
15-00L.M.Raymond serves an ace
L.M.Raymond serving 0-0

Who says Mary ain't fit? Who says she can't come through in the tight moments of 3-setters? Great win, Mary! Allez!

I'll try to post pictures when I find them.

[Jasper]

Big-hearted Pierce redirects bumpy career

By Matthew Cronin
tennisreporters.net

Susan Mullane/Camerawork USA, Inc.
FROM WIMBLEDON – There are few players who are as different oncourt and off as Mary Pierce, as fierce a hitter and staredown artists as there is in the game and at times, as soft-spoken and sensitive a woman that you'll ever meet in the pressroom.

Pierce has had a hellish road since winning '00 Roland Garros and it all started here at the All-England two weeks later, when she tore up her rotator cuff. Since then, the big blonde has been a shadow of her former self, dealing with an emergency room surgeon's list of injuries, including aliments in both ankles, a chronically bad back and abdominal strains.

"It's just weird how my career has gone. I felt like when I won the French Open, I was starting to play my best," said Pierce, who upset No. seed Eleni Daniilidou 6-4, 6-1 and moved into the third round. "From that point on, not much has happened in the last three years. Just imagine having a few injuries and not being able to go to work every day. It was difficult. There was one time where I was doubtful if I would be able to play again. I'm especially emotional and sensitive. I take things very to heart, and I do things with my heart."

At age 28, Pierce knows the clock is ticking. She's bagged two Grand Slam titles (including the '95 Australian Open), won fifteen crowns and, by year's end, could enter the $7 million dollar prize money club. But she's loves the sport and likes being in the elite mix. Merely winning a few matches here or there won't satisfy her.

But what she really missed was the thrill of competing and the wonderful feeling you get when your body allows you to fire a ball back on the full stretch.

"What I missed the most was the sun and sweating, being out and exercising and just being able to run and jump. When I can't exercise, I just don't feel good," she said.

LONG AND HARD HISTORY
Mary has come along way since she first started on tour, when she a super shy and confused girl who was under the dominating thumb of her abusive father and coach, Jim. She eventually broke away from him and took control of her life, involving herself in a long engagement with New York Mets second baseman Roberto Alomar, that ended in a trying breakup a year and half ago.


While her conditioning hasn't always been top notch – she went through a partying phase and she has gone through a slew of coaches – Pierce never considered herself a natural athlete who was bound to prosper. She grew up poor and spent many nights sleeping in the back of her dads' Cadillac when they drove across the U.S. to junior tournaments.

She fought with the French tennis Federation (her mother is French and she trained there for two years as a child) but eventually made up with them, became a key part of their Fed Cup team and was fully embraced by the French public after she won Roland Garros. All she knows how to do is work, even when it seems like the world is against her.

"With talent, you take things for granted. I never took things for granted," she said. "I just didn't realize how easy it was for me before (the injuries) because it seems a lot harder now and having to start from zero again. The older you are, the more difficult it is."

Against the big-hitting Daniilidou, Pierce was torrid off the ground and showed the same kind of pinpoint returning that once brought her to No. 3 in the world. Her legs look a little heavy and her arms aren't as cut as they used to be, but the 5-10, 150-pounder still looks like she could pick up the front end of a bus. But Pierce knows the game is moving ahead and quick and strong 6-foot-tall girls are dropping out of trees.

"The game's gotten a lot better," she said. "The girls are a lot stronger, move better, hit harder."

Given how much money she has earned, Pierce could have retired any time the past couple years, lived comfortably and waiting for her probable Hall of Fame induction. But she still wants to be noticed on court, which is why she's willing to gut it out despite being burdened with a body that is likely to keep breaking down the rest of her career.

"I feel like all I need to do is be healthy and fit again and I can be even better than before," she said. "Motivation is not a problem for me."

In the next round, the No. 83-ranked Pierce will face veteran Lisa Raymond, a tough foe on grass. Pierce has no illusions that she's a title contender here, but a visit to the second week isn't out of the question and that will do wonders for her confidence.

"I'm just taking it match by match and trying to do my best," she said. "I wasn't sure if I was gonna come and play here or not. I know I'm not at my best form right now. I'd like to be able to give myself at least six months. That's what I need to be back to where I want to be. I still have to not try to get ahead of myself."

[Lee]

Mary

[Jasper]

[Jasper]

Great tournament, Mary. You should be proud and confident.

[Lee]

Mary looks GREAT here and she's playing great too!



Mary Pierce of France.
(AFP/File/Matt Campbell)

[Jasper]

You're right, Mary looks great in that picture! She won her first round easily over Razzano and hopefully she can do the same in the 2nd round. Allez!

[PierceCheng]

I found about Mary Pierce's news in FOX Sports.com yesterday and today!!

Pierce wins easily; Serena Williams pulls out

Associated Press
Jul. 29, 2003 10:39 a.m.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP)— Mary Pierce scored an overpowering 6-1, 6-3 victory over Virginia Razzano in the first round of the Acura Classic on Monday, the same day top-ranked Serena Williams withdrew from the tournament because of a left quadriceps strain.
Williams, winner of five of the past six Grand Slam titles, withdrew Monday night because she was feeling considerable pain in her left knee due to the injury, WTA Tour spokesman Darrell Fry said.

Williams, the top draw for the event that includes seven of the top 10 ranked women, canceled an afternoon interview session because she was visiting a Los Angeles-area doctor to be examined for the injury, which originally was believed to be tendinitis.

She cited the same injury when she withdrew before the start of last week's Bank of the West Classic, won by No. 2-ranked Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Pierce, a two-time Grand Slam winner who reached a career-high ranking of No. 3 just three years ago, had little trouble in dispatching Razzano.

Pierce, whose ranking has plunged to No. 73 after three injury-plagued seasons, jumped out to leads of 5-1 and 5-2 en route to the victory.

In other first-round matches, Eleni Daniilidou defeated Rita Grande 7-5, 6-3; Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Leslie Koffi 6-2, 6-1; Magui Serna eliminated Laura Granville 6-3, 6-3; Tina Pisnik downed Paola Suarez, 6-2, 3-6, 7-5; and Marion Bartoli beat Marissa Irvin 7-6 (2), 6-4.


Related website

Capriati quits match at Acura Classic with injury

Associated Press
Jul. 31, 2003 7:39 a.m.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP)— Jennifer Capriati retired with a strained chest muscle during her second-round match against Elena Likhovtseva at the Acura Classic on Wednesday.
Capriati trailed 4-1 when she walked over to the chair umpire during the changeover and said she couldn't continue.

"I tried," Capriati said. "The last two days I didn't practice at all. It still hurt, but you never know what happens when you get out there."

Capriati, ranked No. 7, is the third player to retire from the tournament since it began. Top-ranked Serena Williams pulled out of the event Monday with a thigh muscle strain before she played a match. Marie-Gaianeh Mikaelian retired on Tuesday with a wrist strain while trailing Nadia Petrova 6-1, 3-0.

Venus Williams, the three-time defending champion, did not enter the tournament because of a strained stomach, That allowed her sister, Serena, to enter.

Injuries forced three other players to withdraw from the tournament before it started. The event originally featured seven of the top 10 players.

Seventh-seeded Daniela Hantuchova survived a match point with an ace in the third-set tiebreaker Wednesday, rallying for a 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (6) second-round victory over Katarina Srebotnik.

"A match like this is worth another 10 matches," Hantuchova said. "It makes me believe I can do it."

Hantuchova was trailing 5-6 in the third-set tiebreaker when she fired the ace that save the match.

In another second-round match, unseeded Mary Pierce continued her impressive play with a 6-1, 6-3 win over No. 11 Conchita Martinez in a battle of Grand Slam champions.

Pierce, ranked 73rd in the world, has dropped just eight games in two matches.

It was obvious from the outset that Capriati was hampered by the injury. She lacked control as she sprayed shots all over court and won only eight points.

"It mostly hurts on contact," said Capriati, who cited her forehand and serve as the most bothersome shots to hit.

She was hurt last week during the Bank of the West Classic title match, which Capriati lost to Kim Clisters 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Capriati said the injury probably occurred because she's been overcompensating for a tight right shoulder since Wimbledon.

She extended her winless streak to 29 tournaments, dating back to her win at the 2002 Australian Open.

In other second-round matches, Lisa Raymond upset eighth-seeded Ai Sugiyama 6-0, 2-6, 6-4; Lina Krasnoroutskaya beat No. 15 Silvia Farina Elia 6-2, 6-2; 10th-seeded Magdalena Maleeva was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Alicia Molik; No. 16 Elena Bovina defeated Nicole Pratt 4-6, 6-3,
6-2, and Svetlana Kuznetsova took Meilen Tu 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3).

Related website

[Lee]

Mary Pierce of France waves after defeating Jelena Dokic of Yugoslavia at the 2003 U.S. Open in Flushing, New York, August 28, 2003. Pierce defeated Dokic 6-2 6-7 7-6. REUTERS/Shaun Best

[Jasper]

Mary back in good form with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Gagliardi. I like her draw in this warm-up tournament. Hopefully she can do well and go into Wimbledon with some confidence, where she has big Round of 16 points to defend.

[Jasper]

6-7, 6-4, 6-2 win over tough Russian youngster Kirilenko. Allez!

[Jasper]

6-2, 6-2 over my Lina in the semis and then 7-6, 6-2 over Koukalova in the finals! Mary has won her first tournament in 4 years (since RG 2000), and I couldn't be any happier. Not just that, but she is also looking very fit and happy on the court. Her hard work this past year is really paying off in 2004 with good results in Paris (both tournaments) and now this win. ;D Now I shall stop rambling and post some piccies...

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24268

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24270

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24271

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24272

(For some reason, the isn't working )

[Jasper]

Allez Marie at the Big W!

Her road could be...

1R: Ruano Pascual
2R: Lina Kraz (again ) or Nagyova
3R: Farina Elia (14) or Strycova
4R: Mauresmo (4), Raymond (26), or Asagoe
QF: Kuznetsova (8), Likhovtseva, or Suarez (9)
SF: S. Williams or Capriati
F: V. Williams, Myskina, Davenport, or Dementieva

Not bad for the first few rounds, I think, as long as she keeps up this high quality tennis. The fourth round versus countrywoman Amelie could be a good one and if Mauresmo hasn't stepped up her aggression/willingness to move forward since RG, I think Pierce could have a good chance in that one.

[Lee]

LeoFMH said:

(For some reason, the isn't working )

I think MTF and WTA do not allow hot link anymore.

[Lee]

Oops forget to congratulate Mary

[PierceCheng]

LeoFMH said:

6-2, 6-2 over my Lina in the semis and then 7-6, 6-2 over Koukalova in the finals! Mary has won her first tournament in 4 years (since RG 2000), and I couldn't be any happier. Not just that, but she is also looking very fit and happy on the court. Her hard work this past year is really paying off in 2004 with good results in Paris (both tournaments) and now this win. ;D Now I shall stop rambling and post some piccies...

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24268

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24270

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24271

www.wtaworld.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=24272

(For some reason, the isn't working )

LeoFMH, it is because this hyperlink is have a problem.

Otherwise, don't forget Mary Pierce has defeated Luxembourg player Anne Kremer 6-2 & 6-4 in the quarter final of Ordina open 2004 to revenge the second round of Gaz de France 2001!!

Finally, I want to congrat Mary Pierce because she was won her first single title since Roland Garros 2000......

[PierceCheng]

LeoFMH said:

Allez Marie at the Big W!

Her road could be...

1R: Ruano Pascual
2R: Lina Kraz (again ) or Nagyova
3R: Farina Elia (14) or Strycova
4R: Mauresmo (4), Raymond (26), or Asagoe
QF: Kuznetsova (8), Likhovtseva, or Suarez (9)
SF: S. Williams or Capriati
F: V. Williams, Myskina, Davenport, or Dementieva

Not bad for the first few rounds, I think, as long as she keeps up this high quality tennis. The fourth round versus countrywoman Amelie could be a good one and if Mauresmo hasn't stepped up her aggression/willingness to move forward since RG, I think Pierce could have a good chance in that one.

LeoFMH, I have more result for Mary Pierce in Wimbledon 2004:

In single, she was lost to Virginia Ruano Pascual 2-6 & 5-7 in the first round......

Then, Ruano Pascual has defeated Slovakian Henrieta Nagyova twice set 6-4 in the second round!!

But after that Ruano Pascual has lost to 6-2, 4-6, 5-7 in the third round!!

In doubles, she has defeated British partner Elena Baltacha & Amanda Janes 6-3 & 6-2 in the first round with her compatriot & younger player Tatiana Golovin!! ;D

Then they have defeated 17th seed Australian Alicia Molik & Spanish Virginia Ruano Pascual's compatriot - Magui Serna 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 in the second round!! ;D

But they were lost to Maria Vento-Kabchi & Angelique Widjaja 6-3, 6-7, 1-6 in the third round......


Then, Maria Vento-Kabchi & Angelique Widjaja was lost to Paola Suarez & Virginia Ruano Pascual 7-5, 4-6, 3-6 in the quarter final, very flea!!

What do you think?

[Jasper]

Yes, her first round loss at Wimbledon was a major disappointment.

But she rebounded nicely for Fed Cup, winning in straights sets for France over Schiavone in Italy, 6-3, 6-4. Schiavone is ranked ahead of her and is a great clay court player, so that is a very impressive win. She said herself that she was surprised how easy the match was for her. Hopefully this is a good omen for her hard court season.

What tournaments do you think Pierce will play this summer? I would say probably San Diego and Canada before the US Open. Maybe LA or New Haven, but not both.

[PierceCheng]

I have the latest news for Mary Pierce in the second round (their competitor is Italy) of FED Cup 2004!!

The match is this weekend, between the 10th and 11th of July.

The French Team:

Amelie Mauresmo
Mary Pierce ;D
Emilie Loit
Tatiana Golvin

The Italian Team:

Francesca SCHIAVONE
Tathiana GARBIN
Silvia FARINA ELIA
Roberta VINCI

Best of Luck to France and best of lucky to Mary Pierce!!!!!

[PierceCheng]

She has defeated Francesca Schiavone 6-3 & 6-4 in the first match of the second round!! ;D

Her next competitor is Silvia Farina Elia. :red:

Good luck, Mary Pierce!! "wavey:

I wish you can defeat Farina Elia to revenge the first round of Toray Pan Pacific Open 2003!!

[PierceCheng]

She was lost to Tathiana Garbin & Roberta Vinci 0-6 & 6-7 with Tatiana Golovin in doubles......

But France was advanced the next stage (their competitor is Spain) finally!

[PierceCheng]

I was found her new photo in WTA Tour!!


(This photo was taken by William Young. He had taken with Mary Pierce at last year's US Open.)

What do you think?

[PierceCheng]

She has defeated Claudine Schaul 6-4 6-2 in the first round!!

Well done!! Mary Pierce!!


I hope you can plays well in the first round of doubles match (your competitor is Japanese partner Asagoe Shinobu & Sugiyamai Ai) with Amelie Mauresmo today!!

[Jasper]

Yes, tough draw for her in singles and doubles. The Japanese team are a very formidable pair but I hope she and Amelie can get through as practice for the Olympics. In the second round of singles, she'll have to face Venus, who may actually be injured with a right wrist sprain still. Certainly Mary will want revenge for their Paris match, in which Pierce played so horribly that I couldn't do anything but laugh. If she does get by Venus, it'd probably be Sharapova in the 3rd round. And then Myskina after that. Yikes.