Indian Wells Interview
March 13, 2001
ESPN
Pam Shriver: We know our first semifinalist at this year�s tournament�Masters Series Indian Wells. It�s Kim Clijsters of Belgium�one of the most talented players of the Sanex WTA Tour. Kim, you were the more experienced one there despite the fact that you�re a little bit younger than your opponent, but the match was closer than 6-2, 6-2.
Kim: Yes, it was a lot closer, like the games were very close. I had to work very hard to win my own serve games, and then she�s a great server. I had to work hard for every point.
Mary Joe Fernandez: Kim, over the last six months, it really seems like you�ve improved a lot. Your tennis, you�re constructing the points better� What are you looking forward now to take it to the next level?
Kim: Well, I�m working very hard, and I think when I played Filderstadt last year, I beat a few top 10 players, and I think that was another step in my career, and that helped me improve in my game, and I�ve looked at a lot of men�s matches, and I�ve looked at a lot of the top women�s players. I think that helps a lot as well.
PS: Kim, just a few nights ago, you were awarded with the Karen [inaudible] Sportsmanship award, an award that Mary Joe and I always wanted to win, but we never did win!
Kim: (laughing) I�m sorry!
PS: How did that make you feel�to win that award?
Kim: That really meant a lot to me. I�ve had like a�it�s really great that the players vote for me, and that�s what makes it even more special. So it�s great. I mean, I really appreciate it.
MJF: Kim, it looks like you possibly will face Martina Hingis in the semifinals. Any thoughts on that match?
Kim: She�s a great player. I�ve always admired her. I played a good match against her in Sydney. I�ve had some good chances to win a set, but I�m looking forward to going out there, and she still has to win her match, so�
PS: Hey, Kim, congratulations. Thanks for joining us.
Kim: Thankyou.
~Clijsters City
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