Nice-Premium: How’s your health after your withdrawal in Austria?
Alizé Cornet: I had a stomach bug in Budapest. I drank non-potable water, which made me sick. Now I’m on vacation in the quiet countryside near Nice, not far from Valberg, with my family and my dog. I’m recovering from the start of the season. On July 30, I will resume training in Sophia.
NP: It will be hot in Sophia. Is it to acclimate you for Beijing?
AC: I’ve been training here for eight years. It’s not a choice; it’s simply my club. I will gradually get back to it because I haven’t touched a racket for a while. I’ll be training on hard courts to prepare for Beijing.
NP: Do you know Beijing?
AC: I went there in winter to play the Fed Cup. It’s quite special. It’s not the same culture. You see unusual things compared to our culture when you walk down the street.
NP: People mention the climate and pollution as main challenges…
AC: For the Fed Cup, when we got off the plane, we were suffocating from the pollution. And that was in winter! We were told it’s worse in summer. We were told they have plans to help athletes breathe better, feel better. I’m not sure if they will follow through. Anyway, it will be the same for everyone.
NP: Are the Games a dream?
AC: When you aim to play tennis at the highest level, you think about playing in Grand Slam tournaments. But I’m a big fan of the Olympic Games. Four years ago, I followed the fortnight with interest. I watched all the disciplines. I realize how lucky I am to go there at 18. It’s exciting to be in the Olympic village, to see and talk with other athletes.
NP: The opening ceremony: what will you feel? Some athletes won’t attend because they find it too tiring…
AC: I’m looking forward to it. The Chinese will make it big! It will be part of the Olympic dream. We’ll be contained for four hours. But if I don’t do it at 18, I’ll never do it. It’s part of the Olympics! Millions of people would love to be in my shoes. I don’t really know what I’ll feel when entering the stadium. I’d rather not imagine it to have the surprise when I’m there. During the ceremony, the tension and excitement will surely rise!
NP: The Olympic village, do you have any information?
AC: I’m waiting for the day to discover everything! I’m not aware of anything. I’ll have the surprise.
“It’s sad for Amélie Mauresmo”
NP: Are you dreaming of a medal?
AC: I hope to get a medal. It’s a dream. Moreover, it’s an honor to play for your country. It can be uplifting. The tournament will be tough. All the top 10 girls will be there (Editor’s note: 18 of the top 20 players will be present). You never know, like Nicolas Massu’s victory in 2004.
NP: Amélie Mauresmo gave up on playing doubles after the FFT chose Mary Pierce for singles. How do you feel?
AC: Her reaction is normal. I want to voice my discontent against the Federation. They didn’t fight for Amélie. She’s a great champion. She has a perfect attitude. This would likely have been her last Olympics. Mind you, I have nothing against Mary Pierce (Editor’s note: selected for singles instead of Mauresmo) but Amélie deserved a place. They will only get what they deserve. It’s one less medal chance for France. It’s sad. Amélie was right to prepare for other tournaments.
NP: The organization of the Olympics by China is controversial. What’s your opinion?
AC: I will exchange views with other athletes. I’m going to Beijing as an athlete, and I’m not familiar with China’s history in detail. I’ll use the opportunity to learn about China. It’s up to politicians to handle it.
NP: Are the Olympics a handicap for the rest of the season?
AC: It doesn’t matter. I don’t question it. The Olympics must be done. I’m 18, I’m selected, these are my first Olympics, but I don’t know if there will be others. I might be at a disadvantage for the New Haven tournament because of the time difference. But I’m young! I can recover. The important thing is that it doesn’t ruin Flushing Meadows.
NP: Ambitions for the end of 2008 and for 2009?
AC: I’m 18th. I’ll try to maintain it. There are a lot of points at stake. I’ll try to score as many points as possible to climb a few ranks. But I mainly want to maintain this position. For 2009? We’ll see! It’s only August… We’ll have plenty of chances to discuss it during the off-season.
