BENGALURU:
Mary Pierce
's love for France and the
French Open runs deep. Although born in Canada, her decision to move to France - thanks to her mother being French - would prove to be one of the best ones she made in her career. Quintessentially French, she holds her
Roland Garros
title in 2000 and the two
Fed Cup
victories dear to her heart.
ALSO READ: Pierce hails exceptional qualities of Federer and Serena"Playing on the centre court at the French Open and just living those moments, it's just amazing," said Pierce, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion.
"It was special (winning Fed Cup). I was selected when I was 15 years old, playing and winning it twice. And then to go to the Olympics and represent France... that was very special," she said.
In Bengaluru as the event ambassador for
TCS World 10K
, the French diva spoke about her career and the current state of tennis. Excerpts:
How does it feel to be back in India and be associated with the event?It's good. It's my first time being an event ambassador for a running event so I am looking forward to the race. I am happy to be back in India, my third time here. I think it is great what Procam has done to bring sports to the forefront.
What do you think of women's tennis now, is it more competitive now?When you look back to the 90s and 2000s, you had a lot of depth. Obviously, the game has evolved, the rackets, new technology, the strings, the girls are hitting the ball harder. They are more athletic and fitter.
There is no one dominating the WTA circuit at present...Sometimes people like to see a rivalry between two players. But in today's game, there are a handful of girls who come into a tournament and you don't know who is going to win. That keeps it exciting.
Do you think Serena Williams
not being seeded is fair?If you are injured or you have a child, you have protected rankings that can used for certain number of tournaments. They do not use that to seed you. I think that is where the WTA could reconsider.
How was the experience playing in the Golden Era?The competition was so tough and I think it was amazing what I was able to accomplish. My dream was always to win the French Open. I accomplished that. It was amazing how long I was on top of women's tennis.
Don't French players deal with a lot of pressure at the Roland Garros?As a French player, you have got everybody watching you when you play in France. And when you go on the centre court, when you win, everybody loves you and when you lose they don't. I went through a lot with the French crowds but in the end, it was the most beautiful thing I experienced in my career.
Which is your most treasured Grand slam?The Australian was my first one. The French singles was my dream come true. Then to win the doubles the next day with Martina (Hingis) was the cherry on the cake. Obviously, winning the Wimbledon mixed doubles with
Mahesh Bhupathi... I can't say it was the most special...because the French Open was my dream. But Wimbledon is Wimbledon.
Turning pro at 14, how did you deal with the loneliness?I was fortunate I travelled with my family till I was 18. But from 18, when my parents divorced, I was kind of alone. But I was fortunate to have my brother around during two years – in 2000 and 2005 -- of my career. And those two years were my best years. You can see how that can make a difference. It can get very lonely. Especially when you are at the top, trust becomes an issue.