Li Na Friday Press Conference

Friday, 18 May, 2012
 
An interview with: Li Na

Q: So this is your second final in Rome. Are you confident in this tournament to have a great win on red clay?
Li Na: I am happy to play here and before the French Open – this is a real clay court – in the last 2 weeks …… I can now slide and come back. The same for every player. I can win 3 matches on clay. Tomorrow a different story – Serena top player and I look forward to that.
Q: At the end of the match you point to your box and to your head. Did you have some problem with mental focus?
Li Na: Yes – I was feeling when I was 5 2 in advantage that I need just one more point but on the tour nobody plays like always and this is the big problem to stay at a high level and just 1 second the mind goes somewhere else and this is a problem for me……. I am not worried …… it is not important about my forehand and backhand – that is good. This is a big problem for me.
Q: You played Serena a number of times but not on clay. Will that increase your chances against her?
Li Na: Of course every player wants to win and she has a huge serve and is a good mover and I am looking forward to play against her not to lose or win but as a challenge ………….. ……… for myself. I saw her play many matches in the years on TV and I have to say ……….. just come on to the court and play and don’t do something stupid in the court.
Q: There is another week after Rome and then Roland Garros – how do you feel in you mind after a year?
Li Na: After you win you go back you feel great and I am champion but I don’t feel too much pressure. I don’t know how many years I can play tennis and so I have to enjoy my tennis like and after 1 week with roland Garros and not only to defend….
Q: You made clear last year that you struggled after the Roland Garros with the pressure and fuss. Did you learn after that?
Li Na: Yes. I was happy you know and I not know what to do because this never happened before in my life and I was ……… my agent did good job with sponsors……. I had many things out of the tennis court and I lose the concentration on the court. I have concentration but not focused
Q: When did you feel OK again and when was this all finished and done with?
Li Na: Inaudible…….  I come to court I don't feel I should win or lose the only thing is that I would go back as soon as possible when I lose and I was feeling totally stretched and then I had a holiday for a week and then I came back in Turkey (?) and then ............. a lot of winter training to come back to the court.