November 8th, 2002
Monica answered one of our questions! See the highlighted area for our question. -Ronny & James
MSeles: Hi Every body!
Stasio: Hi Monica! First of all, I must say congratulations for such an excellent job on the court against Lindsay, and for being our Sanex Hero of the Year! We hope that you are really pleased 🙂 Can you let us know a little about what you have been doing to get into such great form again – mentally and physically?
MSeles: Thanks Stasio, it was a very exciting match against Lindsay, and above all thanks a lot for chosing me at Your Sanex Hero of the Year, is definitely one of the highlights of my career.
AKINOM: You hit great volleys.So why don’t you go on the net more often to finish the point?
MSeles: I have been working hard ready for the Home Depot Championships in order to finish the year off well.
joseph: Monica, which win was more satisfying, Venus at the Australian or this one over Lindsay?
MSeles: Thanks I am trying. I wish I could have done more often in my career. It’s not too late so I have been working hard on it.
ABrown1202: Monica, you have such a unique and powerful game. How are you able to create such accurate angles on your groundstrokes? I practice all the time, but you make it look so easy.
MSeles: Both matches were really important and it was nice to break the loosing streak against them.
Leisa: When you are in tough matches, as you were with Lindsay a few days ago, what things help you pull through? How much of a role does the crowd support play?
MSeles: My dad when I was young made play little tennis on between the service line and it help me a lot.
MSeles: It helps tremendously to make me want to fight to go for every shot. It helped me in many matches.
AKINOM: Do you continue your French lessons? Have you bought a flat in Paris?
MSeles: NO I have not given up this dream to buy a flat in Paris. I hope when I will retire I will the chance to buy a flat there. Regarding the French lessons I have not continued.
AndreaMilan: Which is the match in your career you would like to have the chance to replay?
MSeles: Good question! Quite a few.
DC_Loves_Monica: Do you anticipate cutting back on your schedule next year to avoid injuries?
MSeles: Probably all the grand slams finals that I lost against Steffi and Arantxa.
Leisa: You started off the year in great form, making it to at least the semi-finals of the first handful of tournaments and at one stage was only a few points away from being ranked #3. By your own evalution, how would you rate your performance this year?
MSeles: I probably won’t doing as many tournaments I have been doing this year but still the minimum tournaments required.
JonayGranCanaria: are u planning to play more double matches next season?
MSeles: No I am planning to play any doubles next year. I will focus on the singles.
steffigraf: If you win against Venus, what do you think are your chances against a semi-final clash with one of the belgian girls?
MSeles: Well Kim is a very good friend of mine and I have played one of my best tennis against Justine quite few time, so whoever will be it’s going to be quite a tough match.
monicaselessitecom: in the past couple of years, I have noticed that you swing your forehand crosscourt more often then down the line, is it harder to get the forehand down the line against a hard hit ball? now that you have been down the line surprising players, is that making a difference in that the other players are not sure where your forehand is gonna go anymore?
MSeles: Good notice. That’s something I have been working on a lot. Hit down the line helped me in making more points.
Julian: Monica, In your serve ,you seems prefer to choose right angle than wide. When you play against Venus, do you think that’s gotta be a way to give her more forehand balls?
MSeles: Yes definitely. Even if she has improved recently her forehand I will try to concentrate on it but also keep her on guessing.
Julian: You prefer not to play so much indoors after US Open, is it any reason for this?
MSeles: NO I actually enjoy playing indoors. I was extremely tired and I need to to rest. BUt next year hopefully.
Spirit: Over the past couple of years, you’ve had constant trouble with your ball toss. What’s up with that?
MSeles: Well it comes and goes. I try not to think about it too much. I have been working on it and will keep on working on it.
Oleri: Monica, what do you think of think of the current depth of players, especially the talented up-and-comers such as Danillidou, Hantuchova, and Tulyaganova??
MSeles: It’s great. Women’s tennis has grown so much. Daniela has made tremendous progress this year and I think will win a Slam soon. If Tulyaganova can stay injured free she is definitely one of the players to watch out.
Monia: Can you compare the latest win to 5 sets marathon with Gabriela Sabatini in early 90s
MSeles: That was such a thrilling match. It was my first Championships match and playing against my friend Gabby was tough. It was also the only 5 sets match I have ever played. Thought it was difficult to play against my friend Lindsay.
Knightrider: How does the wear and tear on the tennis circuit today, compare with what things were like when you first started playing?
MSeles: I think the competition is lot more tougher. There is more depth, you have to play more tournaments, stay healthy. It’s definately more difficult.
ilovepetesampras: After your tennis career is over (hopefully not any time soon) would you consider doing commentary?
MSeles: Last 2 questions please
MSeles: I really right now don’t know what I would like to do. I see my good friend Mary Jo doing and enjoying it. I don’t know will see. I would like to be involve with children.
gaston: Monica, Im happy that you got elected for Hero of the year…….because you really are a Hero, what do you feel about it ?
MSeles: Thank you very much. For me it is such a great honor. I think it goes beyond my tennis career. Thank you very much for the people who have voted for me. It means so much to me as much as winning a Grand Slam. Thank you so much.
MSeles: Bye every body!