Monica talked about her fourth appearance in the 2004 World TeamTennis (WTT) Pro League, as she prepares to lead the attack for the New York Sportimes in the Eastern Conference. She will make her WTT debut on Thursday, July 8, as the New York Sportimes visit the Delaware Smash at AstraZeneca Tennis Facility in Wilmington, Del. She will make her home debut with the Sportimes on Friday, July 9, as they host the New York Buzz and travel to Newport Beach, Calif., on Sunday, July 11 to compete against the Newport Beach Breakers. Tickets are now available for Monica’s matches by calling: Mamaroneck – (914) 777-5050, Delaware – (866) WTT-TIXS, Newport Beach – (949) 916-6682 or by visiting www.WTT.com.
On playing World TeamTennis:
“I always have such a fun time when I’m playing WTT. I think it’s so much more for the fans too… It’s an opportunity for people, especially kids to see stars up close and personal, get autographs and talk to them after a match.”
On moving from playing in Hartford to New York and playing in Mamaroneck:
“I have some exciting teammates this year. I have spent most of my years with the FoxForce and will miss them all, but it’s going to be fun, I’m very excited. It will be a fun way to slowly ease back into tennis…I’ve never been to Mamaroneck, I hope we get a good crowd out there and get a lot of kids. I think you’ll see a lot of great tennis. I’m excited to come to a new place.”
On the fans at a WTT match vs. fans at a regular match:
“The fans are one of my favorite things about WTT. During a regular tennis match, fans have to be quiet and have zero interaction with players. In WTT the fans are such a part of it. I think it’s also a great way for kids to be introduced to the sport and to the game.”
On the status of her foot injury and her return to World TeamTennis:
“It’s been a frustrating time for me because I was hoping to be playing by now… I just try and stay positive and take it a day at a time… My goal is to go play WTT to see how my foot holds up because I’ll be playing two matches back-to-back, so it will be a good test…It’s a great way to get a variety of matches in since I haven’t played competitive in awhile yet at the same time have a good time because it’s important especially in the beginning, after you’ve been away, to make sure you come back in a positive environment… It’s been a good test of my love for the game, I would really like to continue to play.”
On playing the defending 2003 WTT champions – Delaware Smash:
“It’s a great start especially for my first match. It’s going to be very exciting. I’m just going to be so thrilled for stepping back out on the court because I will have waited for that moment for such a long time. I’m very anxious to get back.”
On the possibilities of retiring:
“I had to be realistic when I was in a cast because I didn’t know what to expect or what rehab would entail. It was a lot of ups and downs. Either way I’m so happy with how my career has gone, but I still would like to try and play. I look at it as a win-win situation.”
On Martina Navratilova:
” She’s an inspiration to me… I watched her as a little kid in Yugoslavia. She’s just awesome, the level she’s playing and the joy she has when she’s playing is so exciting… Not many people can play at her level, at 47 years old, that’s pretty unbelievable.”