 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
(The following article is taken from The Independant on Sunday July 8th 2001)
JUSTINE'S DREAM: THE DIARY OF A SUDDENLY FAMOUS BELGIUM
The new sensation of the women's game charts her journey from hopeful to Championship contender.
Sunday 24 June
I arrive in London a day later than originally planned because I've won my first ever grass tournemount at 's-Hertogenbosch. As soon as myself, my coach Carlos Rodriquez and my boyfriend Pierre-Yves land, we go straight to Wimbledon to get a feel for the place. Carlos books me a practise court for one hour. After finding out the time of my first-round match the next day, the three of us check into our hotel, the Kensington Plaza in central London.
Monday 25 June
I awake apprehensive because I still have memories of my first-round defeat by Arantxa Sanchez Vicario in 2000. Even as a junior, I struggled to get good results at Wimbledon, so I am anxious to improve this time. As a seed, you hope for a kinder draw, but I soon realise that I'm in line to face some very tough opponents. At least I win my first-round match, 6-1 6-0 against France's Sarah Pitkowski. It's a huge relief - a new dawn in SW19. Martina Hingis loses to open up my half of the draw.
Tuesday 26 June
The morning after the day before, and Carlos and I come back to Wimbledon to practise. We do one session in the morning, one in the afternoon, to keep me on my toes. Early dinner at one of three Italian resteraunts next to the hotel. We vow to try out all three before we leave.
Wednesday 27 June
I'm given the fright of my life against Kristie Boogert in the scond round. At one stage in the second set, I'm two points away from seeing my dream of winning here evaporate. Somehow, though, I pull through to win 5-7 7-5 6-2. Incredible. I am so pleased. Having let myself go mentally after my first win, perhaps this is exactly what I need to re-focus. I feel sore after nearly two hours on court, so decide to wait for a massage. By the time we return to hotel, all I have time for is a quick bite before bed.
"We dine out at Planet Hollywood in Piccadilly Circus. It's a great place but, at the risk of sounding like an old woman, the noise drives me crazy."
Thursday 28 June
I play my first doubles match with Maqui Serna. We win a close match against Asa Carlsson and Magdalena Maleeva, 5-7 7-5 6-3. Carlos, Pierre-Yves, Vincent (my agent) and myself decide to go into town for the night. We dine out at Planet Hollywood in Piccadilly Circus. It's a great place but, at the risk of sounding like an old woman, the noise drives me crazy.
Friday 29 June
I think the doubles match has helped me stay in the groove, because I feel really good against the grass-court specialist Lisa Raymond. I win 6-4 7-6. Maybe my superstition, to avoid stepping on the court lines, is working. What a delight to know I'll still be here for the second week.
Middle weekend
On Saturday, we win our second doubles match against Boogert and Miriam Oremans, 6-2 6-4. Celebrate by trying the second Italian resteraunt. Better than the first. Sunday is a strange day, because I have the whole All England Club to myself after practise. It's like a ghost town.
Monday 2 July
Very sad to see Pierre-Yves go, but he promises he will come back if I make the final. If I keep playing like I do against Anke Huber, who knows what can happen? Again I make a slow start and come from a set down to win 4-6 6-2 6-2. For the first time, I feel really confident. I'm starting to believe in myself.
"This is getting tense, but I'm also starting to enjoy myself more. I think my game suits the surface. It's nice, too, that people are starting to talk about my backhand. John McEnroe even says it's the best shot in the game at the moment."
Tuesday 3 July
People say Conchita Martinez will be a difficult opponent. I beat her 6-1 6-0. That is her worst Wimbledon defeat and, needless to say, just the boost I need ahead of my semi-final against Jennifer Capriati. This is getting tense, but I'm also starting to enjoy myself more. I think my game suits the surface. It's nice, too, that people are starting to talk about my backhand. John McEnroe even says it's the best shot in the game at the moment.
Wednesday 4 July
I decide to withdraw from the doubles in order to concentrate on my semi. I'm sad, but it feels like the right decision. Watch a bit of the Tim Henman-Roger Federer quarter-final. It's nice to be a spectator for a change. That night, Carlos and I relax at the hotel. We have a little corner, where we can chat and eat our ice cream quietly. As always, we do not speak about my next opponent unril the morning.
"I'm so happy I throw my racket in the air - lucky it doesn't land on my head."
Thursday 5 July
Wake up a little nervous. It's normal. I have my usual slow start - perhaps the lost semi at the French is playing on my mind - but I show good adaptability by changing tactics when things aren't going to plan against Capriati. I've done it; 2-6 6-4 6-2. I'm so happy I throw my racket in the air - lucky it doesn't land on my head. As soon as I come off, I call Pierre-Yves to tell him to book his plane ticket.
Friday 6 July
Day off for the body, but not for the mind. So many things racing through my brain. It suddenly dawns on me, for example, that I am one step away from becoming the first Belgium Grand Slam Winner. Imagine the celebrations back home if I win. I figure I've got this far, there's no reason why I can't go one better and beat Venus in the final. I spend the day doing interviews (people recognise me now) and the evening watching TV. Pleased that the Henman match has to finish first - it will help me to relax. Whatever happens, I am determined to enjoy the day.
Saturday 7 July
What a great disapointment. After arriving at Wimbledon nice and early for my final, I end up sitting around all day waiting for the weather updates. The important thing is to keep your mind occupied and, in that respect, I am very lucky to have someone with Carlos's experience alongside me. Stay positive - that's my motto. And I will be today.
Interview by Alex Hayes